Woman, 87, fights off knife thug with mobility stick

A pensioner has fended off a knife-carrying attacker with her mobility stick.

The woman was attacked on a path linking Silverknowes Path with Silverknowes Hill. Picture: Google

The 87-year-old woman deterred the 6ft man by waving the stick at him as he demanded that she hand over her purse.

The incident happened between 4.30pm and 4.45pm on Wednesday on a footpath linking Silverknowes Hill and Silverknowes Road in Edinburgh.

The man approached her from behind and spoke to her. When she turned, she noticed that he was carrying a knife. He proceeded to demand her purse, but she refused, and he walked away empty handed towards Silverknowes Hill.

He is described as white, around 6ft tall, has a thin face and wore a dark hooded top with the hood up.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “I am very keen to hear from anyone who has any information which might help with our ongoing investigation.

“Thankfully, the woman was unhurt but it goes without saying that we take a zero tolerance approach towards such despicable crimes.

“The incident was carried out during daylight hours and I would hope that someone may have seen the suspect in the area and can provide us with important information.

“Likewise, I would ask anyone who was using public transport in Silverknowes around the time of this crime to come forward if they remember seeing the man.”