Hunt for suspect in balaclava after man hit with hammer and robbed near Livingston railway line

Police are hunting for a suspect after a man was hit with a hammer and robbed near a railway line in West Lothian.

The man was attacked between 10pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday on the public footpath beside the railway line between St Enoch Crescent and Haymarket Crescent in Livingston.

The victim was approached by a man who struck him with an object, believed to be a hammer, before taking his wallet. He made off in the direction of Deans.

The suspect is described as around 6ft in height, of skinny build and wearing all dark clothing with a balaclava.

Detective Constable Lyndsay McKinnon said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to trace the man responsible and we are appealing to the public for any information which may assist.

“If you were in the area around the time of the incident and witnessed anything suspicious or a man matching this description, please contact police as soon as possible.

“In addition, anyone with any relevant CCTV or dash-cam footage is asked to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 0396 of March 25, 2026.

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