Woman, 88, mugged in broad daylight

DETECTIVES believe that a mugger who robbed an 88-year-old woman in broad daylight may have struck before.

The pensioner was targeted at around 10.30am on Thursday in Buccleuch Street in Dalkeith.

She had walked from the High Street and was at the corner of Eskdail Street and Buccleuch Street when a man approached her and asked for change of a pound. As the woman opened her purse the man removed a three-figure sum of money before making off.

Police are now appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "The description of these events and the male believed to be responsible are similar to previous incidents reported across the area and, as such, we are investigating the possibility that they are linked."

The suspect is described as being of Asian appearance, between 30 and 40 years old with a stocky, muscular build and short dark curly hair that was receding.

He was wearing a grey three-quarter length jacket, white shirt with light stripes and either jeans or trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.