Assault: Police in Cumbernauld are looking for the attacker Pic: © STV
A pensioner is recovering after she was hit in the head with a hammer in Cumbernauld.
The 74-year-old chased her attacker after the incident in the town’s Abbotsford Court. The woman was on her way to meet her daughter when the assault took place at around 11.10am on Thursday morning..
As she walked, the man approached her from behind and pushed her before striking the pensioner on the back of the head with the weapon. The victim made her way to Greenfaulds Road to meet her daughter, who then contacted emergency services.
Ambulance and police both attended, and the injured woman was taken to Monklands District General Hospital to be treated for a minor head injury.
Detective Constable Scott Esplin said: "From speaking with the victim, this doesn't appear to be an attempted robbery, and looks like a complete random and unprovoked assault.
"It is simply appalling that someone could hurt an elderly woman like this, and she is understandably shocked and distressed, and at a loss as to why she would be targeted in this way. Thankfully he hasn't hit her with great force, and the woman hasn't been badly injured.
"However, we are naturally extremely concerned that someone like this is walking the streets of Cumbernauld and he must be traced. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Abbotsford Road and Court from 11am onwards this morning, and saw a man fitting the description to contact us.
"Did anyone see someone running from the area afterwards or hear a disturbance take place? Any information at this time would be extremely helpful."
Police are looking for a suspect who is described as a white male, approximately five feet six inches tall and of heavy build. He was wearing a silver or grey hooded top and blue tracksuit bottoms.
Information can be passed to Cumbernauld CID on 01236 503900 or, alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
