THE son of a decorated war veteran who died a week after being mugged in the street has been left "heartbroken" by his death.

Pensioner John Gillespie, 88, was pushed to the ground during an attempted robbery in Stirling on April 19, during which his walking stick was stolen by the suspect.

Mr Gillespie, who lived nearby with his wife Agnes, had been out on his daily stroll at the time of the violent encounter.

He died on Monday, the day of his 64th wedding anniversary, at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

Results of a post-mortem inquiry have yet to be released, but police may potentially switch the nature of their inquiry from assault and attempted robbery to one of culpable homicide.

His son, also John Gillespie, yesterday said his father was a “gentleman”, who was “always immaculately dressed, never without a shirt and tie and often with his trilby hat”.

He said his father loved walking and had been looking forward to seeing the spring blossom around Stirling.

Mr Gillespie said that not only had his family been violated by the attack, but also the city which was home to his father for more than 30 years.

In a statement released by Central Scotland police, he said: “My dad was a father of four and grandfather of 11. He kept a close eye on all our achievements, big or small, and was a very proud man.

“He was well-loved by his family and within the wider local community. He lost his daughter Louise in February this year and was supported throughout by his family and friends.

“He had a fantastic relationship with our mum Agnes. It was their 64th wedding anniversary on the day he died.

“Dad loved to walk and enjoyed golf. He loved walking in Riverside, Cornton, Bridge of Allan, Causewayhead and Stirling itself and was looking forward to seeing the blossoms coming out on the trees as we got closer to spring.

“He had a great sense of humour, a real love of life and didn’t seem like an 88-year-old. He had a real sense of youthfulness.”

Mr Gillespie served with the the Royal Navy during the Second World War and was decorated for his service.

His son said: “At this time we’re just trying to come to terms with what has happened, and protecting and caring for our family, especially mum.

“We are heartbroken and feel desperately sad and empty. It’s not only our family who have been violated, but Stirling itself.”

Mr Gillespie, from Achray Drive in the city, was found injured by a passer-by in the underpass at Lover’s Walk, Stirling, at 2.50pm on April 19.

The robber is 21-40, around 6ft tall and slim. He spoke with a Scottish accent, had short dark hair and wore a blue jumper and dark trousers.

Officers are treating the case as “assault with intent to rob” and believe there may be a potential link to a robbery on a 70-year-old woman in Callander on the same day.

She was uninjured, but severely shaken by her encounter.