SEVEN people were arrested as a result of an investigation into an alleged gang of thieves pretending to be police officers in Edinburgh.

There were 19 reported incidents between April 30 and May 23 where thefts were said to be committed by people impersonating police.

On each occasion the suspects claimed to be officers in order to search tourists' bags. Police Scotland seized more than £5,000 of foreign currency and a large amount of designer clothing following a search of a property in the capital's Murdoch Terrace on Wednesday.

A woman, 26, and six men aged between 25 and 44 were arrested and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: "It is imperative that people visiting Edinburgh can do so without fear of such criminal acts occurring and the police actions that led to the arrest of this group of individuals is a significant breakthrough. We would like to thank members of the public for their help and continued support."