Manhunt launched after man is stabbed to death in Bridgeton

A large chunk of the Calton andÂ BridgetonÂ was cordoned off as murder cops probed the incident. Picture: John Devlin

Police have launched a murder hunt after the victim, believed to be in his seventies, was found collapsed on the street.

He was robbed at knifepoint around 12.25am as he walked along Stevenson Street in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow.

After an altercation with the robber, the pensioner was stabbed and was found bleeding on the street by three members of the public.

A close at 20 Green Street has been taped off. Picture: John Devlin

The man, who has not yet been identified, was taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he died a short time later.

Police Scotland believe the murderer is also responsible for a robbery and an attempted robbery which happened earlier on Tuesday night in Glasgow city centre.

He robbed a 25-year-old woman of her handbag outside Glasgow Central Station by threatening her with a knife at 10.35pm and just before midnight a 53-year-old woman standing at a bus stop was targeted.

She too was threatened at knifepoint but bravely fought the man off before he fled in the direction of the murder scene.

Police search the area. Picture: John Devlin

The suspect is described as white, in his mid 20s to 30s, of medium build, 5ft 5 to 5 ft 10 in height, clean shaven, with a scar on his face. He was wearing dark trainers that had a distinctive bright white chunky sole, a light baseball cap, grey hooded top and dark coloured jeans.

Police Scotland have launched a murder investigation and have appealed for witnesses to come forward as they believe the man may have targeted other people during the robbery spree.

Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “We believe that the initial motive of this attack was robbery, however, for whatever reason, it escalated into the elderly man being stabbed.

“Following enquiries, we now know that the same man is responsible for the murder, a robbery and an attempted robbery involving two women in Glasgow City Centre late last night; just before the murder.

“The first was outside Central Station in Gordon St, Glasgow, around 2235 hours, where a 25 year old woman was robbed of her handbag by the man who was brandishing a knife. She was not injured during the incident.

“On this occasion the suspect was chased by two men down Hope St towards the ‘Heilnman’s Umbrella’ and east on to Argyle St but he managed to get away down into Jamaica St.

“We have already spoken to one of the men but I am still keen to speak to the second man who tried to catch the suspect as he may have information that will help our enquiry.

“The second incident was an attempted robbery around 2355 hours in the Trongate, near to Albion St. The suspect threatened a 53 year old woman standing alone at the bus stop, with a knife demanding her handbag. She pushed him away and he ran off east along the Trongate towards the Barras.

“This man doesn’t seem to care who he attacks. He is a dangerous individual who is in essence a coward preying on an elderly man and women and it is imperative that we catch him as soon as possible.

“He is described as white, in his mid 20s to 30s, of medium build, 5ft 5 to 5 ft 10 in height, clean shaven, with a scar on his face. He was wearing dark trainers that had a distinctive bright white chunky sole, a light baseball cap, grey hooded top and dark coloured jeans.

“Officers are checking CCTV and making enquiries in the area including liaising with colleagues in British Transport Police, Central Station where the first attack happened.

“It is entirely possible that there may have been others that the man approached or threatened either in the city centre or east end prior to the murder.”

Police forensic officers wearing white suits were seen going through the contents of a Glasgow council bin lorry and taking photos of the contents.

They have also been seen scouring the nearby streets and have also been looking at a play park in the area.

Police also stand guard outside a block of flats on Green Street which is near to where the incident took place.

Police have also cordoned off a large area, including Abercromby Street, Tobago Street and Stevenson Street and officers remain on duty.

Shocked locals have told of their horror at the incident.

Thomas Orr, 68, said: “This place has been going downhill for years and, while I’m shocked that an old man has been stabbed, I’m not surprised there has been an incident.

“I have to wonder why the guy was targeted because it’s not like he would have been able to defend himself.

“It seems a cowardly thing to have done and I hope whoever is responsible gets caught soon to get them off the streets.

“Nobody has got any respect anymore and to be going about knifing old people is shocking.

“I was woken up by the police who were all over the place and they’ve been here ever since.

“They’ve been looking everywhere, in bins and in hedges for anything they can find.

“It’s a sad day for his family.”

Ellen Malone, 78, said: “I’m in complete shock at what has happened.

“I got phoned early this morning by my daughter and I couldn’t believe what I was looking at.

“My thoughts are with the poor man’s family, nobody deserves to die like that especially when you’ve lived a long life.

“The person who did this needs to be caught quickly.”

The Scotsman’s EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY