Car stolen with toddler in back

The owner left the car "momentarily" outside the Limelite pub

A car which was stolen with a three-year-old boy in the back seat has been found abandoned about half a mile from where it was taken, police said.

The child is said to be safe and well and has been returned to his family.

The grey BMW 4x4 was taken at about 1550 GMT from the Willowbrae Road area of Edinburgh.

The owner of the car had left it "momentarily" outside the Limelite pub in Jock's Lodge with the child inside.

Not harmed

The boy was reunited with his family within 15 minutes but officers said it had been a distressing experience for them.

The suspects are described as being between 18 and 25-years-old, of medium build and casually dressed.

The first was wearing a distinctive sky blue and white tracksuit top.

The second suspect was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with distinctive light blue stripes from shoulder to waist and was wearing dark bottoms.

Inspector Alan Bowie said: "Fortunately the child has not been harmed during this incident. Nevertheless, this has been a very distressing experience for the family.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the Willowbrae Road area at the time, and may have information to help us find the suspects, to contact police immediately."