Woman on crutch robbed by ‘despicable’ mugger

The 45-year-old victim, whom police said was “small and vulnerable”, was pushed to the ground by a man who stole her handbag. The woman fought to keep hold of her bag before the thug ripped it free.

Police are also appealing to a pair of Good Samaritans who came to help the victim following the attack, which took place at around 8.55pm on Tuesday in Henderson Street, Leith, to come forward.

The victim had just passed the Trafalgar Bar when the mugger struck.

Pc Andy McIver, from the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield police station, said: “The victim was pushed to the ground by the suspect. She tried to keep hold of her bag but he has pulled it free and made off.

“She was using a single crutch after breaking her foot, and was not due to get plaster off for another two weeks. She is a small lady and was particularly frail and vulnerable.

“The victim was not hurt physically, but she has been emotionally. She was shaken up by this horrible experience.”

After the suspect grabbed her bag, he made off towards Yardhead, where he met another man who may also be involved.

The main suspect is described as being in his 30s, 5ft 9in tall, round build, with short blond hair, and wearing blue jeans and denim jacket.

Pc McIver said officers were examining CCTV from the area in a bid to identify the suspects.

He added: “The victim was assisted by two Good Samaritans. They did not hang around after making sure she was fine, but we would appeal to them to contact police as they may be able to assist our inquiries.

“This is a busy area and there are three pubs near to where the incident took place, the Trafalgar Bar, Anderson’s Bar, and Wilkies. Perhaps someone drinking at these pubs, or having a cigarette outside, witnessed the incident or saw these men acting suspiciously in the area beforehand.”

Leith councillor Gordon Munro said: “This was a despicable and cowardly act and someone will know who is responsible. The kind of person who would commit this crime would go after anybody.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.