Scots pensioner dies after coming to wife's aid during robbery

A 71-year-old man has died after rushing to the aid of his wife who was threatened with a knife during a robbery in Ayrshire.
The robbery took place at Wylie's newsagent in Saltcoats. Picture: Google MapsThe robbery took place at Wylie's newsagent in Saltcoats. Picture: Google Maps
The robbery took place at Wylie's newsagent in Saltcoats. Picture: Google Maps

Police Scotland have launched an investigation following the raid at Wylie’s Newsagents in Saltcoats.

It happened around 3.40pm on Friday while the 63-year-old woman was working at the shop in Springdale Street.

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A man threatened her with a knife and demanded money and ran out of the shop with a small amount of cash, leaving the shop assistant uninjured but very distressed.

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Police say the suspect is described as white, 5ft 8in, and of medium build. He wore a blue rain jacket with the hood up, blue jeans and had a black scarf covering his face.

It is believed the woman’s 71-year-old partner heard about the robbery and came to her aid before collapsing.

The pensioner was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, but died a short time later.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Detective Inspector Fraser Normansell, Saltcoats CID, said: “This was a very traumatic experience for the 63-year-old shop assistant who not only suffered the ordeal of the robbery itself but also witnessed the elderly man collapsing in the aftermath of the incident.

“It is vital that we trace the culprit and stop him from causing any further harm and distress and as such I urge anyone who was in the vicinity of Springdale Street in Saltcoats around 3.40pm on Friday and may have seen the suspect hanging around the area to contact police at Saltcoats immediately via telephone number 101.

“I also appeal to any drivers who were in the area to check their dash cams as they may have captured the suspect on their camera. If so, I ask that they also contact police urgently.”