A pensioner was pulled to the ground on the steps of a church by a man who stole her handbag.

The 75-year-old woman was on the steps of the Thomas Chalmers Parish Church Centre in Kirkliston when a man pulled at her handbag and she fell to the ground.

The teenager then ran off towards the cemetery after the robbery at 7pm on Wednesday. The elderly woman was helped up by a member of the public who called the police.

Later officers found her bag on Bowling Green Road.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses as they try and track down the man. He is described as white, in his teens and was wearing dark clothes and a hat.

A police spokesman said: "The elderly victim was not injured, but she was understandably shaken and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed the theft.

"Similarly, anyone with information that can assist with our investigation is also asked to contact police immediately."

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.