Hamilton man threatened at knifepoint by burglar

Feb 25 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAVE-A-GO son was threatened at knifepoint after taking on a brutal thug who ransacked his 86-year-old mum’s Hamilton home.

The OAP and her son had returned to the Carlisle Road house last Wednesday at 12.20pm when they found an intruder in the hallway.

The brute knocked the pensioner to the ground as he barged passed her to make his escape empty handed.

She sustained minor head and leg injuries in the fall and was left badly shaken.

The son sprung into action and chased the man along Carlisle Road. The thug then stopped, pulled out a knife and threatened him with violence.

Fearing for his life, the son returned home and raised the alarm.

The suspect was last seen sprinting along Laverock Avenue.

He had entered the property after forcing open the garage door and a side window of the house between 10.45am and 12.20pm.

Police are keen to trace the occupants of a white BMW who may be key witnesses.

The vehicle slowed down in Carlisle Road when the suspect was being chased.

Detectives believe the occupants may hold information that could help the investigation and have urged them to come forward.

When the Advertiser this week went to the OAP’s home, a relative there declined to comment and asked that we didn’t identify them.

Neighbours were shocked by the pair’s ordeal

One woman said: “I am disgusted that he pushed over an elderly lady and that she suffered injuries.

“Two years ago my house was burgled and they took the full door down to get inside.”

Police have made door-to-door enquiries and issued a description of the suspect.

He is aged between 25 and 35, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, of medium build, with strawberry blond/fair hair.

He was wearing a light-coloured baseball cap, black jacket and black trousers.

Detective sergeant Neil MacKay, who is leading the investigation, has appealed for witnesses to come forward before the thug strikes again.

“This was a nasty, frightening incident that has left an elderly lady very shaken,” he said.

“Luckily, she suffered only minor injuries.

“We are thankful her relative was uninjured, particularly as the suspect was prepared to use violence.”

The incident took place in broad daylight on a busy road between Hamilton and Larkhall.

Anyone with information is urged to contact DS MacKay at Hamilton CID on 483300, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.