Man posing as good Samaritan robs 87 year old in Edinburgh

His vulnerable victim walks with the aid of two sticks.

Police attend a stabbing at a roundabout in Chelmsford
Published 16th Aug 2016

A man posing as a good Samaritan robbed an elderly man of a three-figure sum.

The 87-year-old victim, who walks with the aid of two sticks, was robbed of his wallet in Edinburgh by a passer-by who offered to help him.

The attack happened at about 4.30pm on Monday in the city's Charlotte Square.

An onlooker chased the suspect and retrieved the pensioner's wallet but a three-figure-sum of cash had been removed.

The man is described as white, about 5ft 11ins and having a tanned complexion with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket, a green or grey t-shirt and jeans.

Detective inspector Grant Johnston said: This was an appalling attack on an elderly gentleman, who has been left very distressed by this incident.

We are eager to trace the man responsible. We would urge anyone who may have seen the man described, or who has any information which can help with our investigation, to contact either police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.''