Police are appealing for the public’s help after an attempted robbery which took place around 6.05pm on Sunday 10 February on a footpath at Blackburn Road Bathgate where it passes under the A7066.
A 55-year-old woman who was walking northbound on the east footpath towards Bathgate observed a group of men approaching towards her and crossed the road onto the west footpath.
The men did the same and approached the victim before attempting to steal her handbag. The woman refused and managed to flee northwards towards the main road.
The suspects are all described as white men, aged in their early twenties wearing dark coloured clothing. One of the men wore a green-coloured hat.
Inquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help with the investigation is asked to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Batten from Livingston CID said: “It was fortunate that the woman wasn’t seriously injured and I would like to commend her bravery shown during this incident, which was understandably a distressing ordeal.
“Blackburn Road and the A7066 is normally busy with traffic and I would appeal to any drivers who may have seen the suspects immediately prior to, or after the incident, to come forward.
“Equally anyone who has information that can help identify and trace those involved is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Those with information are asked to contact Livingston CID on 101 and quote incident number 3485 of 10 February, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
