Thugs steal quad bike and attack farmer

Police hunt suspects after robbery

A farmer has been assaulted by three thugs who stole his valuable quad bike.

Police are appealing for witnesses to help them trace the thugs who attacked the man and took the green Honda 420cc bike near Blackburn yesterday (Wednesday).

The incident happened around 3.30pm and the trio made off on the vehicle in the direction of Blackburn.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information who can help them with their enquiries to get in contact.

The suspects are described as white, with two being around 18 or 19-yearsold and speaking with a local accent. All three were covered in mud.

The first was around six feet tall, of skinny build and was wearing a dark navy hooded top with the hood up and pulled tight around his face. He wore matching tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect was around five feet 10 inches tall, of stocky build and tanned. He was wearing a black tracksuit with the hood up and pulled tight around his face.

The third suspect was around five feet 11 inches tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a light grey tracksuit. He had a light coloured balaclava covering his nose and mouth.

PC Craig Ireland of the Community Investigation Unit at Livingston said: “This was a despicable attack on a farmer going about his business for the purpose of stealing his quad bike.

“Thankfully he was not seriously injured in this robbery but he has been deprived of a vehicle he needs to do the day-to-day work on the farm.

“We are keen to speak to anyone with information that can assist us with this investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact officers on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.