An investigation is under way following a series of thefts and attempted thefts where men impersonated police officers.

Six incidents have been reported to police between February 3 and 13 in Edinburgh.

In all cases, two or three men targeted foreign tourists in an attempt to steal money - succeeding on two occasions.

The men, who have been described as European, claimed to be police officers before demanding to search their victims.

Police said the first incident happened at about 1.20pm on Friday February 3 in the Grassmarket area, when a Chilean man was approached by a man who asked him to take his photograph.

The pair were then approached by two men claiming to be police and demanding to search them.

The two impersonators then got into a silver or grey Seat hatchback car and drove away and the other man walked into the Grassmarket.

Officers said the Chilean man later realised a three-figure sum of money had been stolen from him.

On February 13, two Chinese tourists were scammed in similar circumstances when two men approached and showed them a form of identification stating they were undercover police officers.

They asked to search the tourists and subsequently stole a four-figure sum of cash.

Other incidents have been reported in Chambers Street, Castle Street and in the Calton Hill area.

Sergeant Mark Hamilton said: "These men are purposely targeting tourists who are visiting the city centre in a bid to steal money from them.

"Impersonating a police officer is not only inappropriate, it is illegal.

"We would advise that if you are stopped by someone claiming to be a Police Scotland officer, request their collar number and ask to see a warrant card.

"All our officers are happy to provide this information to the public and it should be offered readily.

"I would ask that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact us immediately, and would also urge those visiting the city to be aware of this activity and report any suspicions to police."