A WOMAN was dragged to the ground after a man snatched her bag as she was getting out of a car in Edinburgh.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses of the "shocking" assault and robbery, which took place in the Northfield area in the east of the city.

They say that it could be connected to an attempted break-in at a nearby property shortly beforehand.

The incident happened at around 3am on Sunday morning on Mouthcastle Drive North.

The woman was getting out of the front passenger side of a car, which had just been parked in a driveway, when the man tried to take her bags.

She was dragged to the ground and a red canvas bag was stolen from her.

The bag had a clear pocket on the front with a picture of a woman, and contained red and black aprons and dishtowels.

The 56-year-old received minor injuries, but did not require medical treatment.

The suspect is described as white, in his twenties, of medium build and around 5ft 8inches tall.

He was wearing a grey hooded top with grey bottoms, and was last seen heading towards Hamilton Drive.

Police say they are also eager to trace another man seen in the area around this time.

Detective Constable Stevie Herd of Gayfield CID said: "This was a shocking incident for the victim and we'll be conducting numerous enquiries in the area over the coming days.

"We believe that an attempt may have been made to break-in to a nearby home shortly beforehand and are currently treating this as linked to the robbery.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery, or saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around this time, is urged to get in touch."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.