Men forced Scotmid worker into car before robbing shop

A shop worker was forced into the back of a car by two men who threatened him and made him open the Scotmid store so they could rob it.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident that took place in the Tollcross area of Edinburgh on Thursday night.

The 24-year-old had just finished his shift at the shop on Leven Street and was walking on Spey Street when he was approached by the men who were in a blue Volkswagen Tiguan car at around 10.45pm.

After forcing him into the car, they drove back to the store and told him to unlock the doors.

The men stole a four-figure sum on money from the shop and drove off at around 11.25pm.

Officers investigating the incident found the Tiguan, which was bearing registration number SF08 WPU, alight within Lochend Park, next to the basketball court.

It has now been established that the vehicle was stolen from a break-in at the Maybury Car Sales in Turnberry Road on December 12.

Police say it was a targeted attack.

Detective inspector Kevin Tait, from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “We believe that those responsible had been following the victim prior to approaching him and forcing him to allow them entry to his place of work.

“While this was a very frightening experience for him, thankfully he was uninjured and we are now pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the suspects.

“If you believe you have seen the Volkswagen Tiguan, either in the hours surrounding this incident, or in the last few weeks, then please contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone with any other information is also asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Edinburgh CID via 101.