Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Elgin over the weekend.
Officers say an 18-year-old man was left “unhurt but shaken” after being approached on the Tyock industrial estate, just off the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, at about 10.45pm on Saturday.
The culprit has been described as being about 6ft, with a heavy build and was wearing a navy or black Reebok hooded jumper.
He spoke with a local accent, and “partially covered” his face.
Detective Constable Robert Williams, who is investigating the incident, encouraged anyone with information to get in touch.
He said: “Someone nearby may have seen a male loitering before or after the incident, and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
The matter followed a similar attempted robbery in Elgin last week.
Yesterday a police spokesman said the two instances were not being treated as linked, but said officers investigating both cases would “keep an open mind”.
Last Thursday at 6.20pm a cyclist demanded money from a woman on a path next to The Wards in the New Elgin area of the town.
The cyclist later made off in the direction of Edgar Road.
He was described as being aged around 15, white, of slim build and was wearing dark clothing.
Police said they were especially eager to trace a group of runners who were spotted making their way through the area at around that time, and yesterday said inquiries into the matter were ongoing.
Elgin City South councillor Graham Leadbitter said he hoped it was mere coincidence that the two “disturbing” events occurred in such close proximity.
Mr Leadbitter said: “For there to be two attempted robberies in such a short space of time in Elgin is obviously concerning.
“These will be particularly disturbing for the victims.
“In general though, crimes like this are unusual in Elgin and hopefully it is coincidental that these two have occurred so close together.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.