Pensioner dies after robbery

An elderly man has died in hospital a week after he was injured during a robbery in Stirling.

The 88 year old was robbed in Lover's Lane in the town on April 19.

After a scuffle which left the victim on the ground, the robber ran off with the man's walking stick.

The victim was found in an underpass which leads to the lane and was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary, where he died yesterday.

Central Scotland Police appealed for information. Detective Inspector Ronnie Isles said: "It's vitally important that anyone who was in the area of Lover's Walk last Tuesday afternoon and who saw anyone acting suspiciously, or who saw the incident itself, comes forward.

"I would also appeal to anyone who has knowledge of the incident or the person responsible to contact me direct and in total confidence."

The robber is aged 21-40, around 6ft and slim. He spoke with a Scottish accent, had short dark hair and wore a blue jumper and dark trousers.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the victim.

The robbery happened a few hours before a 70 year old woman was robbed in Callander. She was walking in Callander Meadows at around 5pm on Tuesday April 19 when she noticed a man who had walked ahead of her. As she neared him, he turned and tried to grab her handbag.

The elderly woman managed to keep hold of it but the robber stole a small amount of cash from her and headed off in the direction of Kilmahog.

Although badly shaken by the robbery, the woman was unharmed.

The robber is around 5ft 10in and slim. He wore a black jacket and trousers and had his face covered.

Detectives are investigating whether the two robberies are linked.