70-year-old man murdered walking home

Around half past midnight, a man, believed to be in his 70s, was walking along Stevenson St near to Abercromby St, Bridgeton, when he was stabbed by a man who had just robbed him.

He collapsed in the street where three members of the public came to his aid and called emergency services. He was taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he died a short time later.

After reviewing CCTV, officers are linking the murder to two incidents, a robbery and an attempted robbery, in Glasgow City Centre late on Tuesday, Jne 28 shortly before the attack in the east end.

Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan, Major Investigation Teams, said today: “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 just before the murder.

“The first was outside Central Station in Gordon St, Glasgow, around 10.30pm, 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 ‘Heilanman’s Umbrella’ and east on to Argyle St but he managed to make his escape 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 11.55pm 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 5ft-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 coloured 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. If you were a victim or have any information that will assist with our enquiries, then please call the Incident Room at Govan Police Office on 0141 532 6723 or via 101. Details can also be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.

Additional police patrols are in the area and anyone with concerns or information can speak to them.