Investigation continues after newsagents robbery in Saltcoats
A man who rushed to help died following the incident.
Detectives are continuing to investigate a robbery at a shop in Saltcoats.
Around 3.40pm on Friday 12th January, a 63 year old woman was working in Wylie’s Newsagents, Springvale Street, when a man entered the shop, threatened her with a knife and demanded money.
He then made off from the shop with a small amount of money.
The suspect is described as white, 5ft8, of medium build, and was wearing a blue rain jacket with the hood up, blue jeans and had a black scarf covering his face.
Shortly after the robbery, a 71 year old man, believed to be the workers partner, went into the shop having heard what happened. He took unwell, collapsed and was taken to Crosshouse Hospital where he died.
A friend of the couple told us, “I’m disgusted by what has happened. We’re being inundated by young thugs and it’s a major problem.
“Years ago Saltcoats used to be a holiday place and now those days are long gone. It’s pretty poor to see what is happening.
“I don’t come across the town centre at night time. There is an element of fear here and you’ve got to watch yourself with the young ones.”
A post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Sergeant Martin Prendergast from Saltcoats CID said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding both incidents and it is absolutely vital that anyone who was in the area on Friday afternoon comes forward with even the tiniest piece of information that could assist us.
“From local enquiries we have established that a white BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was in the area around the time of the incident and I would ask the driver to please get in touch.
“Two people were also seen separately in the vicinity of Springvale Street and I would appeal to both of them to contact the police. The first person is described as wearing a navy hoodie with the hood up, a black jacket, blue jeans and was carrying a grey rucksack. It is unclear whether this person is male or female.
“The second person is a woman who was wearing a brown jacket, black trousers and had a black bag on her shoulders.
“Anyone with information can contact Saltcoats CID via 101, quoting incident number 2056 of Friday 12 January 2018. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence."