Shop worker threatened with knife

Police appealed for witnesses to both incidents to contact them

Police have appealed for witnesses after a lone shop assistant in Aberdeen was threatened with a knife by a robber who fled with a small sum of cash.

The woman was unhurt but shaken after the attack in a branch of RS McColl in Abbotswell Crescent, Kincorth, early on Thursday afternoon.

The culprit was a man in his 20s, about 5ft 7in tall, with short fair hair.

Meanwhile, a 61-year-year-old woman was injured as a man tried to steal her handbag in Fraserburgh.

Grampian Police said the Aberdeen robber was wearing dark clothing and his face was covered by a scarf.

'Despicable' incident

Although he entered the shop alone, before escaping with a two-figure sum of money, police believe he may have had an accomplice waiting outside.

In the Fraserburgh incident, the pensioner was pulled to the pavement as a man tried to steal her handbag in Manse Street on Thursday afternoon.

The attacker, who ran off in the direction of Hanover Street, was described as being in his late teens, slim, wearing a dark woollen hat, a dark short jacket and either blue or grey trousers.

Police said it was a "despicable" incident.

Anyone with such information is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.