West Lothian retirement home residents 'terrified' after 'stabbing' and months of disorder

Residents of a retirement home in West Lothian say they are “terrified” after a man was allegedly stabbed amid months of disorder.

Police have been called to Almondell Court retirement home in Broxburn several times in recent weeks following incidents at the complex and the surrounding area.

The site, operated by Bield Housing Association, comprises 28 properties for people aged over 50.

Residents and their families say that a group has infiltrated the care home, banging on doors during the early hours and taking illicit substances.

One resident, who has lived there for more than a decade, has seen people climbing through windows to gain access and heard threats being made in the corridors.

They said that those living in the complex are too “scared” to leave their homes.

“We are all frightened because of this group,” the resident added.

“These incidents have left us terrified. Some people are trying to move away because of it.”

‘I’ve been waking up during the night’

Another resident revealed that they have been “woken up during the night due to shouting and bawling” in the corridors.

The recurring incidents, which have reportedly been seen by those living in the retirement housing, has left many “insecure.”

They added: “I can’t sleep at night. On one occasion, there was a horrible burning smell in my bedroom.

“The fire service came to check, and they found that the smoke had come from a flat below. That is where I had seen people climbing through the window.”

In a separate incident, while returning to the flat, the resident witnessed a man covered in blood running down the corridor before he bumped into her.

She believes that the housing association has “lost control” and let the group “run riot”.

Police patrols increased after ‘stabbing’

Police were called to the area several times to respond to incidents over the weekend.

A 34-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in an apartment within the retirement home on August 7.

Officers arrested and charged a second 34-year-old man in connection. He is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court at a later date.

In response to the recent reports concerning disorder, Police Scotland has confirmed that patrols in the area have increased.

Investigations are ongoing into the other incidents in the area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers have attended a number of recent reports concerning disorder at a property on Almondell Road in Broxburn.

“Around 7.40pm on Friday, August 7, 2026, we were called to a report of a man seriously injured at the address.

“Emergency services attended, and a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

“Another 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and is due to appear in Livingston Sheriff Court at a later date.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the other reports of disorder.

“Patrols have been increased in the area, and we are working with partner agencies to address concerns.”

‘It is supposed to be safe’

It isn’t just those living in the complex that have been impacted – loved ones are also worried, with efforts being made to move family members out.

In one incident, while dropping an item off to someone living in the Almondell Court, a woman told STV News that she witnessed a drug deal at the front door.

They say they have been left “horrified” by the alleged incidents taking place near her vulnerable family members’ home.

“If I call and they don’t answer, I become terrified,” the woman added.

“It’s a residential housing area that is supposed to be safe. That is one reason we put my family member there because we thought she’d be safe.

“It’s terrifying, I’m genuinely scared that one of the residents is going to have a heart attack with the stress.

“I’ve sat in the meetings and seen some old men crying because of it.”

Despite meetings being held with the housing association, residents say they feel like they are “hitting their head against a brick wall”.

Bield says they are aware of a series of incidents over the weekend of August 7 and that “safety and security remains its primary focus”.

A spokesperson added: “We are unable to comment on individual cases, but any reports of anti-social behaviour are taken seriously and are assessed and investigated in line with our policies and procedures.

“We recognise the distress and disruption that anti-social behaviour can cause for tenants and the wider community.

“Bield is continuing to engage with relevant partner agencies to gather information, support affected tenants and take any appropriate actions. We remain committed to maintaining safe, secure and welcoming homes for our tenants.”