Shopkeeper attacked after refusing to sell cigarettes

At least one of the group was wearing school uniform during the raid at the Mac News Extra store in Parkgrove Street in Clermiston on Tuesday afternoon.

The previous day, the shopkeeper had turned away the youths when they tried to buy cigarettes after asking them for ID. The teenagers threatened the victim and tried to grab cigarettes, but he managed to press the panic button and the gang fled when police arrived.

The next day they returned and demanded cigarettes again before turning violent when they were refused. The shopkeeper was repeatedly punched by members of the gang who stole packs of cigarettes before picking up the till and running from the newsagent.

The victim, who asked not to be named, said: "They were wearing scarves to cover their faces, but they are people who had come into the shop before. One of them was wearing school uniform."

His colleague, who was not in the shop at the time of the attack, said: "They took the till because they weren't able to get it open. We're not sure how much was taken at the moment, but it included Paypoint money from people paying bills.

"(The shopkeeper] was left very shaken by what happened.

"I think the schools have to take more responsibility for what their pupils do when they leave for the day."

Police deployed sniffer dogs at the scene yesterday and are checking CCTV from the area.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police are investigating following an assault and robbery at a newsagent.

"A 28-year-old man who was working in the store was assaulted by a group of males who then stole a quantity of cigarettes and the shop's till.

"The victim suffered bruising to his face but was later discharged from hospital.

"Detectives are now following a positive line of inquiry but ask anyone with information that can assist with their investigation to come forward."