Man steals three-figure sum of cash after punching shop assistant in the head and threatening him with a hammer

Police are appealing for witnesses of a “vicious” robbery which took place in Bathgate on Sunday to come forward and assist with their enquiries.

The incident took place at Dairy Newsagents on Cochrane Street in Bathgate.

The incident took place at Dairy Newsagents on Cochrane Street in Bathgate, at around 11.30am on Sunday, January, 24, 2021.

A man entered the shop and threatened a staff member with a hammer.

He then went on to assault the male member of staff by punching him repeatedly in the head before making off with a three-figure sum of cash.

The suspect is described as white, tall and of slim build.

He was wearing dark clothing and had on a black scarf, or something similar, covering the lower half of his face.

He spoke with a local Scottish accent.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Traynor of Lothian & Borders CID, said: "This was a vicious and sustained attack which resulted in cash being stolen from the shop.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to identify this man and we would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or who has any other information to come forward.

“In particular we would be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage or private CCTV".

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone who has any information on the robbery should contact police as soon as possible to assist with the investigation.

You can call 101 and quote incident number 1323 of January, 24, 2021 or if you would like to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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