Thugs smash into elderly woman’s home and demand cash

Police say the suspects ran off towards the retail park. Picture: Julie Bull

Police in Midlothian are appealing for information after the incident in Loanhead during the early hours of this morning.

At around 1:50am the woman was woken by noise made by the suspects who were standing outside her property on Lorne Grove, opposite the Straiton Retail Park on the A701.

She went into her living room and switched on her lights in an effort to deter them from loitering in the area however a short time later they broke in and demanded money.

They were last seen heading in the direction of the retail park and police are now appealing for information in an effort to trace them.

They are described as young males with Scottish accents and wearing dark hooded tops.

Detective Inspector Steven Bertram of Police Scotland said: “We are currently pursuing a number of lines of enquiry but I would ask anyone who was in the area of Lorne Grove at around 1:50am this morning and who remembers seeing the men or any suspicious activity to please contact police as soon as possible.

“This was a horrendous ordeal for the victim to go through and although she was not physically harmed in any way the incident has understandably left her badly shaken.

“Anyone with information that can assist with our ongoing enquiries is asked to contact police on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”