DETECTIVES are appealing for information following two robberies in the Oxton area on Saturday.

After an evening out, a group of friends were walking home near to the Queens pub just before midnight.

The group split up and one of the men was approached by two males and a woman.

The woman asked him for a cigarette, to which he said no.

One of the men then asked him for the time - the victim then took his Samsung phone out to look at the time and one of the men tried to grab it from him.

He then punched the victim in the face and took his phone.

A few minutes later, two other men walking in the same area when they were approached by two men and a woman.

Again, one of the men asked for the time and as the victim took his Blackberry phone out to check it, one of the men punched him in the face and stole it from him.

Both men received minor injuries.

The robbers are white, in their early 20s, and one was bald. The woman is described only as having long dark hair.

Detective Cons Andy Dunsheath said: "While the two victims received minor injuries, this was still a very traumatic experience for them both.

"The Queens pub is busy and we expect there would have been plenty of people in the area.

"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed these incidents or who has any information about them to come forward and contact us. Maybe you've been offered one of these phone for sale? If so come forward and let us know.

"I would also urge anyone who walking home from a night out, to ensure they stay with friends and keep valuables out of sight."

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.