Disabled man beaten to ground by muggers

A DISABLED man was mugged by a trio of thugs who dragged him into bushes and then viciously beat him as he lay on the ground.

The 20-year-old victim, who has learning difficulties, was attacked moments after getting off a bus on his way home from work.

The assault only ended when a dog walker passed by. The three suspects ran off, taking their victim's wallet with them.

The robbery took place at around 7:50pm on Wednesday as the victim walked along a footpath near to Sylvan Way in Bathgate, West Lothian.

Detectives described it as a "vicious assault" and said the victim was "fortunate" to receive only minor bruising.

The victim, who lives in the town with his parents, had just got off a bus when he was approached and grabbed from behind by the first attacker.

Two other suspects appeared and the trio dragged the victim to the ground, repeatedly kicking him as he lay defenceless.

Detective Constable Frank Travers, from Livingston CID, said: "The three men kicked the victim in the stomach and body.

"Fortunately, a man walking a dog came along the footpath and that seems to have scared the suspects off.

"The victim was able to get home and inform his parents what had happened.

"He suffered only minor injuries but that could've been worse if the attack had continued.

"The victim did not know the attackers, but it's possible that they may have known he was disabled.

"The three men involved did have local accents and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.

"We are eager to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have information that can assist with our enquiries.

"We are particularly keen to speak to the dog-walker who came to the aid of the young man and would ask that he contact police immediately."

DC Travers said the victim was now recovering from his ordeal and was helping officers with their investigation.

He added: "He was shaken up afterwards, but he's holding up well considering what has happened."

Officers said they were not linking the robbery with any other incidents at present.

The first suspect is white, aged between 17 and 23, and has dark shoulder-length hair. He wore blue jeans, white Nike trainers, and a black long-sleeved top with a white skull motif on the front and the band name Slipknot in white writing on the back.

The second suspect as white, aged 17 to 23 and has blonde hair. He was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms.

The third suspect is white, aged 17 to 23 and was wearing a long-sleeved dark hooded top.

Anyone with any information on the suspects or the incident is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131, or to call Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800-555 111.