Edinburgh shopkeeper thwarts robbery with pile of newspapers

POLICE are hunting a man, believed to be around 20 years old, who attempted to rob a shop in the east of the city on Saturday morning.

File picture: Google

A member of staff at the A1 Store in Magdalene Drive was preparing to open up for the day when a male suspect entered and demanded that the shopkeeper hand over money.

But the shopkeeper refused and threw a bundle of newspapers at the suspect, before pressing the store’s panic button, and grabbing a pole - forcing the attacker to flee empty handed.

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The suspect was last seen running along Magdalene Drive and turning right onto Magdalene Loan before being lost from sight.

Officers at Gayfield CID are now investigating the matter and are appealing for information.

The suspect is described as white, approximately 20 years old, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, slim build and spoke with a local accent.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a dark or grey coloured hooded top, possibly a balaclava and either dark trousers or jeans.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden of Gayfield CID said: “This was a very serious attack that caused a great deal of alarm to the victim and we are pursuing various lines of inquiry in an effort to trace the suspect as quickly as possible.

“The shop itself is situated on a built up residential area and I’m hopeful that someone may have heard the suspect shouting or saw him in the area.

“Violent attacks are completely unacceptable and we will do everything we can to ensure this individual is swiftly arrested and brought before the courts.

“I would urge anyone who recognises his description to get in touch with police immediately on 101. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”