By Christine Lavelle
POLICE believe they are searching for the same two men following two separate attempted robberies in Edinburgh on the same night.
The first incident took place at around 12.35am on Saturday, when a 45-year-old man was approached by the pair after leaving a pub in the Leith area of the city.
He left the Port of Leith pub on Constitution Street and made his was towards the junction with Bernard Street, and had just reached Noble’s pub when the attackers came over to him – one from the front and the other from behind.
The man standing behind threatened him with a sharp object – believed to be a knife – and demanded money, but the victim refused and managed to run into the pub.
He suffered a cut to his back, but did not require any medical attention.
He reported the incident to the police later that night, and described the suspect who had stood in front of him as being about 5ft 9ins tall with a medium build, with fair hair and a clean shaven face.
The man was also said to be wearing tracksuit bottoms, and the only description given of the other suspect was that he was a white male.
And – about three hours later around the same area – two men approached a taxi driver who was parked on Commercial Street.
They asked for a lift but were refused by the driver, at which point one of the men punched him on the side of his head and attempted to grab items inside the vehicle.
But the taxi driver managed to move off in his cab, to prevent items being stolen or any further attack from the men.
He gave the police a similar description of the men, and they believe the incidents could be linked.
A Lothian and Borders police spokesman said: “Given the location of both of these attempted robberies and a similar description of the suspects having been provided, we believe the same individuals may have been responsible.
“The first victim was unable to see the object he was threatened with, but believes it was a knife.
“Fortunately, he was not seriously injured during this incident.
“The second victim was also fortunate to escape serious injury and make off with all his belongings intact.
“Nevertheless, we are keen to speak to anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in the Constitution Street area or Commercial Street area.”
