Detectives continue hunt for man over pensioner's death

Detectives investigating the “suspicious” death of a 79-year-old woman are continuing to appeal for information one week on from the fatal attack.

Margaret Grant died in hospital following a disturbance at her home in Edinburgh’s Restalrig Circus at around 6.50pm last Friday.

On Sunday, police revealed they are looking to trace a man they believe entered the property and assaulted the pensioner with the intention of stealing from her.

The man was disturbed by a member of the public and left the scene on foot.

Officers believe the “cowardly and despicable attack” was targeted and the man responsible may have known Ms Grant by name.

On Friday evening, both uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be speaking to people in the area.

Detective chief inspector Kevin Houliston, from the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh, said: “Officers are following a positive line of enquiry but we are still working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and our thoughts remain with Margaret’s family.

“They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

“Anyone who may have seen anything in the Restalrig Circus area around the time of this disturbance, however insignificant they may think it was, should get in touch.

“Likewise if anyone has dashcam footage that might help with our investigation, please call us.”

The suspect is believed to be aged between 20 and 30, around 5ft 6in, and had combed-back dark hair.

He was wearing dark trousers and a black top which may have had white lower sleeves.

Ms Grant, who police described as “elderly and frail” and lived alone, never married and had no children.