Riverside robbery victim (88) dies in hospital

Apr 27 2011 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Wednesday

AN ELDERLY man injured during an attempted robbery in Stirling last week has died in hospital, police announced yesterday (Tuesday).

The 88-year-old lost his fight for life in Stirling Royal Infirmary on Easter Monday after being involved in a sickening attack in the city’s Riverside area on Tuesday, April 19.

Following a scuffle, his attacker ran off in the direction of Wallace Street with the old man’s walking stick shortly before 3pm.

The victim, who has not been named by the authorities, was later found by a passer-by lying in the underpass that leads to the area’s Lover’s Walk.

Locals have been left shocked by the incident, with many avoiding the area despite a high police presence.

Officers were combing the streets as the Observer went to press yesterday in a bid to locate any potentially-crucial pieces of evidence.

The suspect was described as being between 21-40-years-old, around six-feet and of slim build, with a Scottish accent, short, dark, hair and wearing a blue jumper and dark trousers.

A post mortem examination will have to be carried-out before the exact cause of the pensioner’s death is known.

Detective Inspector Ronnie Isles urged anyone with any information about the culprit to come forward.

He said: “It’s vitally important that anyone who was in the area of Lover’s Walk last Tuesday afternoon and who saw anyone acting suspiciously, or who saw the incident itself, comes forward.

“I would also appeal to anyone who has knowledge of the incident or the person responsible to contact me directly, and in total confidence.”

The robbery occurred a few hours before a similar incident in Callander Meadows and the local constabulary have said they are investigating the possibility that the two may be linked.

A 70-year-old woman was walking along a path at approximately 5pm when she noticed a man ahead of her. As she neared him, he turned and attempted to grab her handbag.

The alarmed pedestrian managed to keep hold of her bag, but the man was still able to steal a small amount of money from her and was last seen heading in the direction of Kilmahog.

Although badly shaken by the incident, she was otherwise unharmed.

The perpetrator was described as around 5’10” and of slim build. He was wearing a black jacket and trousers, and his face was covered.

Detective Inspector Isles added: “We are looking at the possibility that the two incidents are potentially linked and I would also ask that anyone who has information about the Callander incident to contact the police.”

Both incidents were strongly condemned by representatives from Callander and Riverside Community Council, who urged any potential witnesses to contact the authorities.

Local police can be contacted on 01786 456000, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.