POLICE have praised a father after he fought off a gang of armed robbers who had assaulted his 14-year-old daughter and terrified his two younger children.
The 38-year-old businessman picked up what police have only described as "an object" and challenged the four raiders.
They fled with his £18,000 Rolex watch into a waiting silver BMW or Mercedes, which then sped off from Lasswade Road, on Thursday
, at about 10pm.
Detective Constable Bob Williamson, of Lothian and Borders police, said: "The family were watching television and the gang forced their way into their home.
"They were armed with weapons and were all wearing balaclavas. The father went out (of the room) to confront them and his 14-year-old daughter came too.
"The two youngest children were left in another room but unfortunately the gang came into that room.
"The father than grabbed an object he had in his house and turned on his attackers. He was shouting at them to get out of his house.
"The attackers then fled from his home. They made off in a silver car, which was parked outside, and drove towards The Murrays area of the city."
The watch is a rare Datejust model with a red face, diamond bezel and gold bracelet, which police hope will help them catch the gang.
"We are asking anyone who might know something about this brutal attack to give us a call. The victim's watch is very unique as there are not many of them in the country, so someone might have information on that."
A Lothian and Borders police spokesman added: "This was clearly a shocking and terrifying incident witnessed by very young children who have been left frightened and traumatised.
"It is only by the quick actions of the complainer in his attempts to protect the lives of his children that a more serious outcome has been avoided.
"It is vital that the persons responsible for this attack are apprehended and we would appeal for any person with information about the culprits or the vehicle to contact the police immediately."
• Police are also trying to trace a man who approached a young woman as she was walking home and then threatened her.
The 21-year-old was walking along Potterrow on Sunday, February 24, when the suspect asked her if she had a boyfriend.
He then asked if he could walk her home and, when she refused, became angry and threatened to hurt her with a knife although no weapon was ever produced.
The woman ran off in the direction of Clerk Street and called police.
The suspect is described as white, about 6ft 2ins, skinny, with short dark hair and a strong Scottish accent. He was wearing a green, camouflage-style hooded top and dark trousers.
Anyone with information about either crime should call Lothian and Borders police on 0131-311 3131.
The full article contains 493 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
