Police in Saltcoats, Glasgow are appealing for witnesses following a tragic store robbery.

A 63-year-old sales assistant at Wylie’s Newsagents, Springvale Street, was threatened with a knife by a thief who later escaped the store with a small amount of cash.

The sales assistant was left traumatised but uninjured by the incident. However, it is understood that her husband, who ran to her aid after hearing about the theft, collapsed in the store upon arrival.

He was taken to Crosshouse Hospital but died a short time later. A post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death.

An enquiry is underway to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8, medium build and was wearing a blue rain jacket with the hood up, blue jeans and had a black scarf covering his face.

Detective Inspector Fraser Normansell at Saltcoats CID said: “This was a very traumatic experience for the 63-year-old shop assistant who not only suffered the ordeal of the robbery itself but also witnessed the elderly man collapsing in the aftermath of the incident.

“It is vital that we trace the culprit and stop him from causing any further harm and distress and as such I urge anyone was in the vicinity of Springvale Street in Saltcoats around 1540 hrs on Friday 12 January 2018 and may have seen the suspect hanging around the area to contact police at Saltcoats immediately via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 2056 of 12 January 2018.

“I also appeal to any drivers who were in the area to check their dash cams as they may have captured the suspect on their camera. If so, I ask that they also contact police urgently.”

Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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