Restalrig Circus pensioner death: what we know so far

Police are hunting for a man seen near the home where the 79-year-old died.

Police at the scene

An investigation is continuing today after an elderly woman died in a suspected disturbance at her home in the Restalrig area of Edinburgh. Here is what we know so far:

Emergency services were called at approximately 6.50pm on Friday night to reports of a disturbance at the property in Restalrig Circus.

Paramedics took the 79-year-old woman to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and Police Scotland have confirmed that the woman died in hospital later that night.

Earlier today police named the woman as Margaret Grant - an "elderly and frail" woman who lived alone. Police suspect the man they are searching for was attempting to steal from her flat.

The suspect, who knew Ms Grant's name and was attempting to steal from her, fled the scene on foot after being interrupted and is still on the run from police.

Detectives are urging any witnesses who may have information to come forward, and are also urging the man behind the "cowardly and despicable attack" to hand himself in.

The attack left Ms Grant unable to call for help, but the member of the public who disturbed the attacker was able to telephone the police and paramedics at approximately 6.50pm on Friday evening.

Description of attacker

He is described as being white with a Scottish accent, aged between 20 and 30 with combed-back dark hair and approximately 5ft 6in.

"We have established that the intention of this male was to steal from Margaret," Mr Houliston said, although detectives are still attempting to establish if anything was taken.

He told the PA news agency: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack on an elderly and frail lady within her home address and it is absolutely vital that we identify and trace this man as soon as possible."

In a message to the culprit, he added: "If you have any conscience at all, please hand yourself in."

The suspect, who fled on foot and is still on the run, is described as being white with a Scottish accent, aged between 20 and 30, with combed-back dark hair and approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing dark clothing, although his top may have been white on the lower part of his sleeves.

Mr Houliston said that there would have been people in the Restalrig Circus area at the time the man fled the house and urged potential witnesses: "If they were in that area, if they recognise the description of the man, or if they have any information whatsoever that would assist us in our investigation, do not hesitate to contact the police to allow us to bring this man to justice."

Although Ms Grant was never married and had no children, Mr Houliston said that officers have managed to get in contact with members of her extended family, some of whom live in Scotland.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3175 of January 24.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Neighbours in shock

The local community has told of their shock at the incident. One neighbour said: "I came home from work and there were police everywhere and the entrance to our flat was cordoned off. It was a bit worrying because my wife and children were at home when all this was happening.”