A WOMAN was hit over the head with a piece of wood by a man who tried to steal her handbag.
The 43-year-old was walking alone along Inverleith Row, Edinburgh at around 5.45pm on Tuesday, November 8.
She passed a man looking through bins outside a pharmacy. As she turned onto South Trinity Road, the man approached her from behind, stuck her to the head with a wooden pole and demanded her bag.
She screamed and members of the public came to her aid as the man made off empty-handed alongDarnell Road towards Wardie Road.
Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.
The suspect is described as white, mid 30s to early 40s, 5ft 8ins tall with a medium to stocky build, short dark greying hair and a clean-shaven complexion. He was wearing a dark jacket, jeans, trainers and dark-rimmed glasses.
The wooden pole had a white plastic bag tied around the top.
A police spokesman said: “The woman was not injured, nor did she have to go to hospital. Nevertheless this was a terrifying experience for her and she has been left extremely shaken.
“Anyone who can help identify the man responsible for this assault is asked to contact police immediately.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that can assist officers with their enquiries.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
