Pensioner hurt as she tried to fight off thief in afternoon carjacking

A pensioner tried to fight off a car thief after she was exposed to a terrifying incident during her weekly shop.

The 77-year-old woman was left with a broken arm and cuts to her head after falling to the ground in the attack on Sunday afternoon in Gorgie.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses who saw the struggle at about 3pm in the BMC Club car park on Westfield Street.

Detective Sergeant Ross Nicol, from Corstorphine CID, said: “This was a frightening attack in a busy area in broad daylight, and I want to thank the people who came to the woman’s aid.”

The woman was loading shopping from the nearby Sainsbury’s supermarket on Westfield Road into her red Toyota Yaris when she was approached by the thief.

After initially claiming her vehicle had a flat tyre, he then demanded her keys and grabbed her before she tried to fight him off.

The man then snatched the keys and stole the car.

The vehicle was later recovered at about 1pm yesterday by officers in Edinburgh.

Passing good samaritans rushed to help the woman as she lay in the car park.

She was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

She was later released after receiving treatment.

The thief is described as white, of medium build, aged 25 to 35 and around 5ft 8-9’ tall.

He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap, a blue sports-style top and jeans.

Det Sgt Nicol added: “As part of our enquiries, we’re urging those who may recognise this man’sdescription,orwhohave seen the car since this time, to contact us immediately.”

The victim is understood to be a member of the BMC social club.

Staff at the club condemned the attack yesterday.

A barman near the scene said: “She was coming out of Sainsbury’s with her shopping and he’s gone up to her and said she’d got a flat tyre before jumping her to get her car keys off her.

“She’s got a broken arm and cuts and bruises, but it’s more the shock. It’d be bad enough, but for a 77-year-old [it’s terrible].

“She’d parked round the back out of sight, so I just think he saw his opportunity.”

Fellow club members are now expected to rally round the pensioner to help in her recovery from her frightening ordeal.

“We normally get flowers for members or a card if they’re in hospital, so I’m sure we’ll do something for her,” he said.

The carjacking took place near the Gorgie War Memorial Hall.

Anyone with information can call Police Scotland on 101.

Reports can also be made anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.