Meadows Attacks & Robberies Linked

6 December 2016, 15:22 | Updated: 6 December 2016, 15:26

Police are investigating a series of early-morning assaults and robberies in the Meadows area of Edinburgh.

A 28-year-old man was assaulted by three men who approached him at Jawbone Walk at 3.10am on Sunday.

The group tried to rob the victim of his possessions but he was able to get away and contacted police.

About five minutes later a 19-year-old man was walking home past the area's tennis courts when a group of men pushed him on to a bench and punched him in the face. They also stole his mobile phone and a sum of cash.

A third incident followed at about 3.25am when two men aged 19 and 21 were robbed of a sum of cash by a group of males.

Officers believe the crimes are linked and are urging anyone who can help with their inquiries to come forward.

The suspects are described as wearing dark clothing with scarves covering their faces and hoods up.

Three of the men were white and in their late teens and the other was a black man in his late teens.

Detective Sergeant Keith Fairbairn, from Gayfield CID, said: "Fortunately none of the victims were seriously injured as a result of these incidents and we are now eager to speak with any other members of the public who were within the Meadows during the early hours of Sunday morning.

"If you witnessed any suspicious activity, saw the group of males or believe you can help us identify these individuals, then please contact police immediately.''