Cyclists came to woman's aid after bag-snatch attempt at Leith LInks

Cyclists stopped to help bag-snatch victim

The suspect ran off in the direction of Queen Charlotte Street. Picture: Google Street View

Two cyclists came to a woman's aid after a man attempted to steal her handbag near Leith Links.

The pair, a man and a woman, were travelling from the Easter Road end of Leith Links in the direction of Constitution Street at around 10:45pm on Monday, 25 November, when they witnessed a man and woman engaged in what appeared to be a disagreement.

It was during this time that the man attempted to steal the woman's handbag, prompting the woman to shout for help, at which point the male suspect dropped the handbag and ran off in the direction of Queen Charlotte Street.

The two cyclists stopped to help the victim ensuring she was safe and well.

The male suspect is described as white, in his mid-30s, between 5 ft 11 ins and 6 ft 2 ins, and of average build. He was wearing a dark jacket and jeans with a green rucksack.

Detective Constable Paul Henderson said: "The female victim was uninjured but was understandably left shaken. Enquiries are ongoing into the isolated incident and I am particularly keen to speak to the two cyclists who witnessed it and stopped to help the victim at the time.

"I would ask them, or anyone who may have seen a man fitting this description in the area, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1450 of 28 November. Alternatively, information can be provided to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."