Armed robber threatens staff with 'handgun' at Edinburgh convenience store

An armed robber threatened staff at a convenience store with what looked like a handgun before making off with a three-figure sum of cash.

Police in Edinburgh have appealed for witnesses after the robbery at a Scotmid store on Sunday.

The incident happened on Walter Scott Avenue at about 7.20pm when a man with what appeared to be a firearm threatened counter staff and made off with the money.

Police say the weapon was not discharged and no-one was injured. Officers are unsure if it is genuine or not.

The man is described as being in his 30s, about 5ft 6ins, of heavy build and with brown facial hair.

He was wearing a burgundy hooded top with a black baseball cap under the hood and navy tracksuit bottoms with white stripes.

The suspect left the shop and made off in the direction of Gilmerton Road.

Detective Constable Stevie Herd, of Gayfield CID, said: Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident but it was a terrifying ordeal for members of staff in the store.

We will do everything in our power to trace this individual and while we are making our inquiries, we are keen to speak to anyone with information that can assist us.''

Anyone with information is asked to call 101