Defenceless pensioner mugged in West Lothian just weeks after a 76-year-old was targeted in town

Detectives are hunting a man who attacked a 67-year-old in Armadale and stole her handbag just weeks after a similar incident.

The robbery happened at around 4.15pm yesterday when the woman parked her car in the rear car park of the Scotmid store in West Main Street.

When she returned to her car with shopping a man approached her from behind, pushed her and snatched her bag containing her purse, cash and phone.

The man - who is described as white, around 6ft tall with a slim build - pushed the woman to the ground causing her to injure her shoulder.

The latest mugging took place in the car park behind Scotmid off Armadale's West Main Street. Picture: Google

A police spokesman said she was left "badly shaken by the incident".

Police suspect the suspect fled down a footpath from the Scotmid car parking heading towards Hailstones Crescent.

Officers have been going door-to-door to appeal for witnesses and are appealing for any CCTV footage from around the area.

The robbery was similar to an incident on November 9 when a 76-year-old was mugged in High Academy Street, Armadale. Picture: Google

The incident had the hallmarks of a similar mugging of a 76-year-old on November 9 in the town's High Academy Street, just a two-minute walk away.

Link to another robbery

Detective Sergeant Graham Garvie said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Scotmid car park around the time of the incident.

"In particular, if you have a dash cam in your car, please check the footage as it could have captured the suspect, even if you were in the area before the crime happened, you may have an image of the suspect without realising it.

He continued: “We are not ruling out the possibility that this robbery may be linked to another robbery currently under investigation on 9 November, when a 76-year-old woman was targeted in High Academy Street, Armadale.

"I would urge anyone who thinks they may have information which could assist us in our enquiries to get in touch with us. It’s imperative we trace this man, who clearly has no conscience and thinks nothing of stealing from elderly members of our community.”

If anyone has any information, please call CID officers at Livingston Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 2503 of 25 November 2019.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be provided anonymously.