80-year-old shopkeeper injured in struggle with samurai sword wielding robber

An elderly shopkeeper was injured when he struggled with a robber armed with a Samurai sword.

The incident happened at the NewsBoyz newsagents in Penicuik, Midlothian, just after 8pm on Friday.

The 80-year-old was working inside the shop when the man entered with a Samurai-type sword and demanded money.

A struggle ensued between the suspect and the shopkeeper, who attempted to grab the weapon.

The man received a minor injury to his hand while the robber made off with a three-figure sum.

Police Scotland Detective Inspector Paul Batten said: This is an extremely unusual offence, given the style of weapon used and thankfully the shopkeeper was not seriously injured.

We are treating this robbery with the utmost seriousness and I would ask anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the store on Friday evening to contact police immediately.

Similarly, anyone who can help us identify and trace the male responsible is also urged to get in touch.''

The suspect is described as white, around 20-years-old and about 5ft 7 inches tall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111