Brute punched man on the face and head

A man suffered facial injuries after being viciously assaulted by a thug in Coatbridge town centre.

The stunned 42-year-old victim was walking on the town’s Main Street at 3.15am on Saturday with a group of friends when the attacker launched his assault.

He knocked the man to the ground and punched him on the face and head, leading to cuts and bruising that required follow-up treatment at Monklands Hospital.

Police have issued a description of the suspect and are looking for the public’s help to trace the reprehensible brute.

Inspector Louise Brownlie, of Coatbridge police, told the Advertiser: “The culprit is described as five-foot nine-tosix-foot tall with a heavy build and was wearing a purple shirt and grey trousers.

“Coatbridge CID are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred as local clubs were closing and people were making their way home in taxis.

“Information can be provided by calling 101.”

House break-in

Items of jewellery were among the items stolen by heartless thieves who broke into a Coatbridge home last week.

The householder was out for the evening when the Lefroy Street property was targeted some time between 6.30pm and 11.25pm on Friday.

A man was spotted fleeing the common close carrying a bin bag and police are keen to trace him in connection with the break-in.

Inspector Brownlie added: “A quantity of jewellery and other items were stolen, leaving the householder very distressed.

“A male described as approximately five-feet, nineinches tall, of medium build, with a rough ginger beard and wearing a dark blue jacket with the hood up was seen leaving the common close carrying a bin bag around the time of the break in.

“We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents to make contact with Coatbridge police on 101.”

Town disturbance

Police are appealing for witnesses after a “large-scale disturbance” in Airdrie last weekend.

The troubling incident – which took place on Deedes Street at 0.20am on Sunday – involved a number of suspects and included a grey Ford Focus car allegedly being driven at pedestrians.

A private function had been held in a pub on the street and police believe the disturbance may have originated from that event.

Inspector Brownlie said: “We are looking for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area at the time to contact us with the details.

“Those with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Road policing event

Sixty-two vehicles were stopped and 11 tickets served by police during a day of road policing action in Bargeddie.

Last Thursday, Monklands cops joined forces with partners from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and North Lanarkshire Council Licensing to carry out the initiative on vehicles using the public highways at two locations.

The officers took up positions on Coatbridge Road and Coatbank Street, where vehicles were directed to inspection points.

Inspector Brownlie said: “During the operation, nine Vehicle Defect and Rectification Scheme tickets were issued for vehicle faults including defective bulbs, indicators and cracked windscreens.

“In addition, two tickets were issued for trade vehicles with expired MOT certificates.

“VOSA issued two immediate prohibitions notices for vans to be immediately taken off road and a further temporary prohibition notice for a van with a potentially serious wheel defect which had gone unnoticed by the driver.

“A total of 62 vehicles were stopped for examination by the partners during the course of the day of action which was considered to be a great success.”

Patrols to continue

Police patrols aimed at putting an end to crimes of dishonesty and anti-social behaviour in Airdrie town centre are to continue for a prolonged period.

Inspector Steven Miller, of Airdrie police, said: “Over the summer my officers have routinely engaged with members of the public to provide reassurance and a daily policing presence.

“Since August 1, my staff have reported 44 persons to the procurator fiscal, issued 11 Recorded Police warnings and 12 Fixed Penalty Notices for a variety of anti-social behaviour, dishonesty and disorder-type offences.

“To augment policing activity, town centre officers, led by Sergeant Gerry Bryceland, are liaising with partner agencies on the use of Criminal ASBOs – limiting access to the town centre for repeat offenders.

“Protecting the public is key to our daily duties and such patrols and policing activity will continue over the coming months as we move towards autumn and winter.”

The incident occurred as local clubs were closing and people were making their way home in taxis