Royal Mail is investigating claims a postman refused to help a pensioner after she slipped on ice – claiming he was “too knackered” to help.
Patricia Stewart suffered a bad fall and hurt her head outside her Falkirk home on Thursday.
The 72-year-old claimed a postman saw what happened but looked down at her and was heard to say: “I can’t help you, pal.”
He then apparently walked away from the gran of two, who banged her head but was not badly hurt.
Her family said the incident had been captured on camera.
Niece Sheryl Harkins, 36, said: “He left her really upset and feeling worthless. It is unbelievable.
“When I was told about it I thought there was some kind of misunderstanding.
‘She could have been lying there for three hours and caught hypothermia.’
Sheryl Harkins
“I care for my aunt and I visit her four times a day, but she could have been lying there for three hours and caught hypothermia.
“He could have told someone down the street, all our neighbours are fantastic they would do anything to help anyone.
“It is just really so disgusting, the neighbours would have gone to help but nobody heard her shouting.”
![Sheryl Harkins 36, Pat's niece.](https://news.stv.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/051a19d8c5d8b30b445aaa765bee700d.jpg)
‘It just goes against everything, you wouldn’t treat a dog like that.’
Sheryl Harkins
Sheryl said Pat was now recovering at home after being helped by a parcel delivery driver and had a nasty bump on her head from the fall.
A manager from Royal Mail visited to speak to the family and an investigation has been launched.
“Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times,” a spokesman said.
“We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.
“We were very sorry to learn about this incident, and for the distress this incident has caused.
“We are in touch with the customer concerned and will be investigating this incident.”
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