Hamilton woman, 86, dies after being injured in robbery

Police are investigating the death of an elderly woman who was injured in a robbery at her home

The 86-year-old woman was left on the floor of her house overnight after being attacked by a thief in what was described as a “despicable” act.

She was found by her son when he arrived to visit her on the morning of Sunday, 4 September - the day after the robbery in Townhill Road, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

She was taken to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride where she remained until her death on Friday, 4 November.

Police Scotland said it was not known if the death was connected to the robbery and that “further inquiry” would be required.

Officers are currently treating the death as unexplained.

In the days after the robbery, police said the 86-year-old had been unable to get up from the floor or call for help after a man forced his way into her home and assaulted her.

The man - who is thought to be in his 50s or 60s and was wearing a dark, hooded top and trousers - also stole a three-figure sum of cash.

Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown said: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the robbery. At this time it is unknown if the lady’s death is connected to the robbery and further inquiry is required.

“It is essential that anyone with any information about the robbery comes forward to help establish the full circumstances. I would ask members of the public who were in the area of Townhill Road on Saturday, 3 September, to please cast their minds back and think about whether they saw anything at all suspicious.

“No matter how insignificant you think your information may be, let us decide that. What you tell us could prove vital to our investigation and help provide answers for this lady’s family.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hamilton Police Office on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.