Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Man attacked outside hospital
The search continues for two masked thugs who subjected a stunned man to a terrifying assault before stealing his car outside Monklands Hospital.
The heinous daylight attack happened last Tuesday, March 9, at 12.10pm as the victim parked his car on Centenary Avenue and walked towards the hospital entrance.
At the side of the building, he was approached by two men “carrying weapons” who demanded his car keys.
The victim was struck on the legs with the weapon before the thugs sped off in his Grey Audi A4.
Police Scotland described the first attacker as aged in his late teens to early 20s, of slight build and wearing dark clothing and a woollen balaclava.
The second suspect has a slim build and was wearing dark clothing and a woollen balaclava.
Detective Sergeant David Lamont, of Coatbridge CID, said: “This was an innocent man simply going about his business who was randomly attacked by two opportunistic criminals.
“The men responsible gave no consideration for the victim or anyone else around the hospital at the time and later drove off in the vehicle in an extremely erratic manner, placing other members of the public in danger.
“From enquiries so far, we know the car was driven through the Coatbridge area and was later abandoned in Netherhouse Place, Easterhouse.
“It is vital that we trace these callous individuals as soon as possible and I would urge anyone who may have seen them around the hospital, or a grey Audi A4 in the Coatbridge or Easterhouse areas, to come forward.”
Coatbridge police inspector Louise Brownlie added: “The culprits are still at large and anyone with information relating to their whereabouts, or the whereabouts of the stolen vehicle, is urged to contact us by calling 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”