A WOMAN was left terrified after a thug robbed her at knifepoint as she made her way to work in Port Glasgow.

The incident happened at about 8pm on Thursday as the 58-year-old made her way through Moss Lane, pictured, which leads from East Barmoss Avenue to Mossyde Avenue, near to St Francis’ Primary school.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff of Greenock CID says the woman was left badly shaken after the culprit threatened her with a blade before making off with her handbag.

He described the incident as ‘concerning’ and is today appealing for the public to help officers with their inquiries.

DI Wagstaff said: “The female had stopped in at the U Save store in Cromdale Road to buy some items and as she entered the shop she became aware of a male standing outside. She made her purchases at about 7.45pm and as she left the store she saw the same male loitering outside the shop.

“She made her way on to Marloch Avenue and walked on to East Barmoss Avenue, past St Francis’ Primary. After passing the janitor’s house she turned right onto Moss Lane which runs through to Mossyde Avenue.”
It was at this point when the woman was threatened by the knife wielding thug.

DI Wagstaff added: “The woman saw the male trying to get her attention. When she turned round, she saw the male running towards her with what appeared to be a knife in his hand. He demanded her handbag and its contents, which included a two figure sum of money, and she handed it over. The male ran back out of the lane.

“The woman was shaken but uninjured and she continued to her workplace where she contacted the police.”

Two dog walkers later found the woman’s purple handbag, which was dumped in West Woodside Avenue.

DI Wagstaff says there is CCTV of the attacker.

He said: “We have footage of the male loitering outside the U Save store in Cromdale Road from about 7.20pm. So we are aware that he had been loitering outside the shop on and off from that time.

“He is described as being in his mid-20s, of slim build, quite short in height and was wearing grey coloured jogging bottoms, a grey coloured hoodie and white trainers.

“Anyone who saw this male loitering or saw him follow the female, who was wearing a green coloured waterproof jacket with a fur trim and dark trousers, is asked to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“This is a busy area up there with people going in and out of the shop.

“This is a concerning incident as the female was minding her own business making her way to work.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Greenock police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.