Witness appeal following assault and attempted robbery in Bathgate

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and attempted robbery at a home in the Elizabeth Drive area of Boghall, Bathgate which took place around 11.15pm last night

Three men broke into a house and struck the occupant to the leg, before demanding money but left empty-handed and the occupant, a man aged in his thirties, sustained a minor injury to his ankle that did not require medical treatment.

The men are described as wearing balaclavas, possibly in their thirties, with local accents and travelling in a silver or grey Mercedes which had the registration plates obscured at the time.

Detective Constable Barry Carlin of Livingston CID said: “Although the man’s injury was minor, this was a very distressing incident which has understandably left him shaken.

“As part of our ongoing enquiries, we’re urging anyone who may have seen the men or the car in the area, or who has any information on their whereabouts, to contact us as soon as possible.

“I also want to reassure local residents that there will be an increase in high visibility patrols in the area over the coming week and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to officers.”

Those with information can contact Livingston CID via 101, quoting incident number 4462 of 29th July, or report this anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.