A brazen thief has been caught on camera stealing a charity tin from an Edinburgh restaurant.

The man walked into Tapa in Leith and snatched the collection box and bottles of alcohol while an accomplice kept lookout on the street outside.

He seized the chance to steal the items while staff were busy working elsewhere in the premises on Shore Place, making his way in and out several times and raiding the area behind the bar.

Footage of the theft shows the man, who was wearing dark clothing and a cap, walking into the restaurant and furtively looking around before grabbing the charity box.

The team at Tapa estimate nearly £100 was in the tin, which was in aid of local children's charity the Daisy Chain Trust.

They initially thought a member of staff had moved the bucket but after checking CCTV they discovered the footage of the theft on September 20.

Owner Daniel Shearon published screenshots on the Tapa website in a bid to track down the culprits and support the charity.

He told STV News: "We are almost flabbergasted that it happened. There were staff in the building. It was a tiny moment of time that he managed to come in and out without being noticed.

"People had been setting up - it was a tiny window. The staff were quite shocked that they were actually in the building at the time."

He said he was keen to raise awareness and support of the charity after the theft.

Mr Shearon added: "Last time the tin had around £125 in it, so there could have been quite a lot of money in it.

"But we're trying to rationalise the incident - there are lots of other scenarios that could have played out and nobody got hurt."

A police spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh are investigating following the theft of various items from a restaurant in Leith.

"The Incident happened around 10.30am on September 20 at a premises in Shore Street.

"A charity collection bucket was stolen along with alcohol and inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

"Anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation is asked to come forward."