Two Motherwell shopkeepers attacked

Jul 10 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO Motherwell shopkeepers were on Sunday assaulted by a group of thugs.

Police say the incident took place at about 7am on July 6 at the Londis store on Muirhouse Road, Motherwell.

Now the police investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police say that the shop staff opened up the store for the day and noticed a group of young men standing outside.

A fight then suddenly broke out and both shopkeepers were assaulted in the incident.

One of the shopkeepers, a 32-year-old man, was taken to Wishaw General Hospital and was treated for facial injuries and was later released.

The other shopkeeper, a 50-year-old man, sustained slight facial injuries but did not require hospital treatment say the police.

Police have told the Advertiser that they are following a positive line of inquiry into tracking down the suspects in the attack.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in the Motherwell area police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was robbed of her handbag in Motherwell town centre.

Police said at about 10am the 82-year-old woman was making her way through Brandon Parade South and Brandon Arcade on Wednesday, July 2, to do some shopping.

At that time her handbag was within a zip fastening shopping trolley.

At around 10.20am the elderly woman attempted to buy something from a nearby shop when she noticed her shopping trolley open and her bag was missing.

Four days later the woman’s bag was found empty dumped in a bin in Hamilton.

A small quantity of cash had been stolen, as had the woman’s bank card.

Anyone who has any further information on this incident should contact PC Rooney at Wishaw Police Office.

Police have also warned people to be vigilant when out shopping and to be aware of valuables, especially purses and wallets.

“Sneak thieves are always on the lookout for an opportunity, and people must take care to keep all valuables out of sight and in a safe place,” said a police spokesman.