Woman speaks out about being mugged while on the phone to parents

A YOUNG coffee shop worker has told of the terrifying moment two robbers snatched her mobile phone as she walked home chatting to her parents.
Bellevue RoadBellevue Road
Bellevue Road

The 22-year-old was shoved to the ground and had her handbag grabbed as she strolled along Bellevue Road.

Her mum and dad at home in Poland then faced an agonising one-hour wait to hear their daughter was unhurt but badly shaken by her ordeal.

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“I was really scared,” she told the Evening News. “They could have had a knife or anything.”

Her attackers pounced at about 7.30pm on Sunday – one of two bag snatches in the city centre on the same day.

“I was going back home by foot because I’d forgot to take money for the bus,” said the barista.

“Two guys came from behind but I didn’t hear anything because I was skyping my parents. One guy took my phone and the other pushed me to the ground and tried to take my bag.

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“I was holding onto it but he was stronger. I screamed and two neighbours came out but the men ran away.”

“My parents could hear it happen and knew I was in trouble but they couldn’t contact me because my phone was taken.

“My mum couldn’t stop crying when I managed to phone them. I’ve got some marks on my knee but nothing serious.

“But I’m scared to go out now after dark. They stole my bank cards with my identity on and I don’t know how long they were following me for.”

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The brave victim even gave chase initially as the two robbers fled down Mcdonald Place and onto Mcdonald Street.

“Nothing like this has happened before, even when I used to work as a bartender and be walking home at 3am – this was only 7.30pm,” she said, having lived in Edinburgh for two years. Now she hopes police will be able to catch her attackers and warned others to be alert when out walking at night.

The first suspect was white, aged 25-30, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

His accomplice was also white, aged 25-30, around 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, with light brown hair.

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He was described as wearing a green jacket with the hood up, a grey scarf with black stripes, dark grey jogging bottoms and black trainers.

DS Mark Lumsden said: “We are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or knows who is responsible.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspects and can help us identify them to please come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.