Police are appealing for witnesses to help them trace a would-be handbag thief who tried to rob two women in Edinburgh yesterday (July 8th).

The first incident occurred at around 8.20am, in Falcon Avenue, where the man grabbed an 87-year-old woman by the wrist and attempted to tear the handbag from her shoulder.

After a short struggle, during which the woman hit her attacker with a walking stick, he ran off empty-handed.

The second attack happened at 8.50am, on Comiston Road, where the man snatched a woman's handbag as she stood waiting at a bus stop.

Again the attacker fled empty-handed, dropping the handbag after the woman gave chase.

The suspect is described as white, 16 to 19 years, 5ft 9ins, slim build, short dark hair, and wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and jeans.

After carrying out the second attack he may have got into a silver Ford Focus being driven by a female.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "The victim of the second incident has not yet been traced by police because she got on a bus shortly afterwards. Obviously we are keen for her to come forward to give us more information about what happened.

"These attacks are of a particularly cowardly nature, by someone who clearly has no qualms about attacking defenceless women.

"The fact that he deliberately targeted an elderly woman with a walking stick is a matter of concern, and we are extremely keen for anyone who witnessed these attacks, or who recognises the description of the suspect, to contact us."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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