HEARTLESS thugs battered a deaf old man in the street yards from his home to steal a winter jacket he had bought by saving up his pension money.

The shocking attack on 74-year-old Ian McGregor has rocked the community of Springburn after the popular local man's face was left black and blue with bruises.

Grandfather Ian had spent Tuesday afternoon in Glasgow City Centre shopping prior to the robbery.

He visited independent menswear store Blitz to purchase the winter jacket and then went to John Lewis for ink cartridges.

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Armed with his bags, he visited the William Hill bookmakers in Springburn and, as he walked home, the two robbers struck at around 6.30pm at the junction of Valleyfield Street and Flemington Street.

They pulled him to the ground and carried out the attack before they made off in the direction of Atlas Road.

The pair also stole a two figure sum of cash. 

His heartbroken daughter Chrissandra Martin, 48, told the Evening Times: "My dad said they came from behind. He is deaf and wears hearing aids.

"He fell to the ground during the attack and he told them to just take the jacket, but they continued to do what they were doing."

She added: "It is a cruel world we live in just now. He is an old man, just take the jacket, what could he do? He could not run after them or anything."

Ian, who has four daughters and five grandchildren, was taken to Glasgow's Royal Infirmary following the attack.

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His face was left badly bruised and he has cuts to the back of his head.

His daughter explained that her dad's body is also aching from the attack.

She said: "You never see my dad upset and he does not show his emotions to you, so for a man to sit and cry in front of you - it is not right."

Police Scotland's robbery unit is now investigating the attack and has already taken DNA off Ian's clothes in a bid to catch those responsible.

His daughter Chrissandra believes those responsible may try to sell on the jacket and urges anyone to contact the police if they are offered it.

She said: "Every dog gets their day. To do that to an old man is absolutely diabolical.

"If I see old people struggling, going along the road, I feel sorry for them. I don’t know how anyone can do that to an old person.

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"My dad is well known in Springburn, everyone knows him. People talk to him at bus stops and all sorts. That is just the way he is."

Glasgow Times:

Chrissandra circulated an image of her dad's injuries and the jacket on social media to catch those responsible.

She thanked the public for their support and is confident her family will get through the shocking attack.

She said: "The way people have rallied around and the messages I have got is unbelievable. I can't thank everyone individually.

"We are all shocked by what has happened but we are a close knit family, and we all look after one and another. We always have been that way."

Police Scotland said enquires were ongoing into the attack and anyone with information can contact 101.

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The force also praised the man for trying to fight the pair off. 

Detective Constable Scott Spinks, of the Community Investigation Unit based at Helen Street Police Office, said: "This was a sickening attack on this elderly man who bravely tried to fight off these two men, and has been left badly injured. He was simply making his way back to his home after doing some shopping.

“As the two men approached the victim from behind, we don’t have descriptions for release at this time.

"Officers are, however, are continuing to study CCTV images for more details and I would urge anyone who saw this incident take place, or who has any information that may assist this investigation to contact the Community Investigation Unit at Govan through 101 quoting incident number 3184 of 31 October.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”