An 87-year-old man who walks with two sticks was robbed by a pickpocket who offered to help him.

The pensioner had been walking in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh city centre on Monday afternoon when he was approached by the man.

The victim accepted his help but then felt the man try to remove his wallet from his pocket.

He struggled with him but the robber grabbed it and fled.

A passer-by chased the suspect and retrieved the wallet but a three-figure-sum of money had already been removed.

Officers are keen to track down the man, who is described as white with a tanned complexion.

He is around 5ft 11in and has short dark hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black leather jacket, a green or grey round-neck T-shirt and blue jeans.

Detective inspector Grant Johnston said: "This was an appalling attack on an elderly gentleman who was been left very distressed by this incident.

"We are eager to trace the man responsible. We would urge anyone who may have seen the man described, or who has any information which can help with our investigation, to contact either police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.