TWO men on a motorbike are being hunted following a 12-hour crime spree in East Lothian and elsewhere earlier this week.

Police are linking a string of incidents across the county to their search for the men, who were seen in the area between Monday tea-time and the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Among the incidents reported was a break-in at the Mercat Bar and Grill in Whitecraig, the theft of a car in Musselburgh and break-ins at two addresses in the town.

Police believe the incidents are linked to the theft of a green Triumph motorcycle from outside a house on Polton Road, Loanhead, Midlothian, on Monday evening.

They said around the same time a house on Moir Avenue, Musselburgh, was broken into and a television, DVD player and games console stolen.

Shortly after 2am on Tuesday morning, two men on a white and red motorcycle were seen acting suspiciously outside the Hugo Boss shop in Edinburgh, where the store alarm had been activated.

And 10 minutes later they are believed to have broken into a Chinese restaurant on Dundas Street, in the Capital, stealing moneybags filled with change.

Police reported a break-in at Dalkeith Rugby Club less than half an hour later, in which nothing was taken but four windows were smashed.

And some time after that they were called to the Mercat Bar and Grill, where the alarm had been triggered, and two men on a motorbike were seen leaving the scene.

At 3.35am police in Musselburgh were called to an address on Stoneybank Drive following a housebreaking at a residential property.

A set of car keys to a Nissan Qashqai were taken from within, along with a camera and rucksack.

A neighbouring garage was also entered and ransacked during this incident, before the car was taken.

It was recovered in Edinburgh shortly after 4am.

Detective Sergeant Dave Reilly said: “It would appear that the same two men have been responsible for a number of break-ins, attempted break-ins and thefts across East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh.

“These incidents have resulted in high-value goods being taken and costly damage being sustained to a number of the properties.

“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around these locations late on Monday evening or in the early hours of Tuesday morning is asked to contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone who can help us trace the suspects, or who has information that can assist with our ongoing enquiries, is also urged to come forward.” Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.