Police are warning people to be on their guard after a man was persuaded to hand over cash to three women claiming to be collecting for charity in Edinburgh.

The incident happened in George Street at around 5pm on Saturday (July 21st).

The victim was approached by a woman at the junction of George Street and Hanover Street, and he was asked to make a donation for disabled Kosovan children.

She produced a blue identity card including her photograph, and the man made a donation.

However, the woman asked the man to make a further pledge, and persuaded him to withdraw more money from the Royal Bank of Scotland cash machine on George Street.

Afterwards the woman walked away, but another two women, supposedly collecting for the same cause, quickly joined her.

The three women then persuaded the victim to make yet another donation, and he duly obliged before the women walked away together.

All of the women are described as Eastern European, and with tanned skin.

The first suspect is described as in her thirties, 5ft 8ins tall, slim build, with black shoulder-length curly hair in a ponytail, and wearing a dark brown jacket, white shirt and bright coloured skirt.

The second suspect is in her twenties, 5ft 8ins tall, slim build, with short blonde hair in a ponytail, and wearing a white polo neck jumper under a dark jacket and trousers.

The third woman is described as in her thirties, 5ft 7ins tall, medium build, and wearing a dark coloured jacket and skirt.

A spokesman from Lothian and Borders Police said: "After the incident the victim felt sufficiently concerned about whether the money would benefit disabled children, and contacted police.

"We want anyone who was in the George Street area at this time, and saw anything suspicious, or may have been approached by these three women, to get in touch.

"In addition, we would urge people to verify the identity of collectors before they make any donation. If in doubt, people should contact the police immediately."

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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