Gang link theory in cash van raid

The robbers fled with a five-figure sum after the Brink's van raid

Robbers who stole about £10,000 from a security van in Edinburgh may have failed in an earlier bid to steal cash, according to police.

Lothian and Borders officers believe the same three men were foiled in an attempt on another security van in the city on Thursday evening.

Inspector Brian Stuart said an "element of violence" was used in the raids and a security guard was assaulted.

"We suspect it was the same parties involved in both incidents," he said.

The men targeted a Securicor van in Register Street, off St Andrew's Street, at about 2015 BST on Thursday, Mr Stuart said.

They fled empty handed but were believed to have struck again, getting away with cash from a Brink's van outside a branch of the Bank of Scotland in Morningside Road at 2335 BST.

The guard was assaulted and a five-figure sum was stolen Insp Brian Stuart Lothian and Borders Police

Mr Stuart said: "Again three males were seen and believed to be involved in this incident as well.

"They made off on foot with a large sum of money."

The security van in the first incident was outside a Barclays bank.

"A 40-year-old security guard who was delivering a quantity of money was approached by two males who attempted to rob him," Mr Stuart said.

Description of robbers

"Three males were seen running off. In the second incident a Brink's security vehicle was delivering a quantity of money to the Bank of Scotland.

"The guard was assaulted and a five-figure sum was stolen. The three men were seen to get into a dark coloured Volkswagen Golf in Merchiston Avenue and make off in it."

The men were white and said to be aged between 18 and 30. The first was described as of slim build, 5ft 9in to 6ft tall and wore a black hooded jacket.

The second was athletic, 5ft 10in to 6ft tall and wore a dark jacket and trousers, while the third was described as being of heavy build. He was dressed in dark clothing.

Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with information to contact them on 0131 311 3131.