A MANHUNT has been launched to catch a 'dangerous' thug who murdered a 76-year-old pensioner in Glasgow’s East End after he targeted two women in a robbery rampage.

Officers probing the murder of John Baker from Tobago Place, Bridgeton, are looking for scar-faced man who they believe stabbed the pensioner after he robbed him.

Mr Baker collapsed in the street after the attack at around 12.25am today and three members of the public came to his aid.

Police and an ambulance were called before the victim was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he died a short time later.

Now murder cops say the incident could be linked to a robbery and an attempted robbery in Glasgow city centre the night before.

Read: Cops launch murder investigation after elderly man is stabbed in East End street

Their new line of enquiry comes after reviewing CCTV which revealed the related incidents late night on Tuesday, June 28.

Duncan Sloan

Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan, Major Investigation Teams, said: “We believe that the initial motive of this attack was robbery, however, for whatever reason, it escalated into the elderly man being stabbed.

“Following enquiries, we now know that the same man is responsible for the murder, a robbery and an attempted robbery involving two women in Glasgow City Centre late last night; just before the murder."

The scar-faced killer pounced on his first known victim - a 25-year-old woman - outside Central Station in Gordon Street at around 10.35pm.

He brandished a knife at his terrified victim before robbing her of her handbag.

She escaped the robbery uninjured.

Two men, however, bravely went after the suspect chasing him down Hope Street towards the 'Heilnman's Umbrella' and east on to Argyle Street but he managed to get away down into Jamaica Street.

Police say they have already spoken to one of the men but they are still keen to speak to the second man who tried to catch the suspect as he may have information that will help the murder enquiry.

The second known victim was a 53-year-old woman who was threatened with a knife when she was standing alone at a bus stop in the Trongate near to Albion Street at around 11.55pm.

The thug also demanded her handbag but the brave woman pushed him away and he ran off east along the Trongate towards the Barras.

Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan added: “This man doesn’t seem to care who he attacks. He is a dangerous individual who is in essence a coward preying on an elderly man and women, and it is imperative that we catch him as soon as possible.

“He is described as white, in his mid 20s to 30s, of medium build, 5ft 5 to 5 ft 10 in height, clean shaven, with a scar on his face. He was wearing dark trainers that had a distinctive bright white chunky sole, a light baseball cap, grey hooded top and dark coloured jeans.

“Officers are checking CCTV and making enquiries in the area including liaising with colleagues in British Transport Police, Central Station where the first attack happened.

“It is entirely possible that there may have been others that the man approached or threatened either in the city centre or east end prior to the murder. If you were a victim or have any information that will assist with our enquiries, then please call the Incident Room at Govan Police Office on 0141 532 6723 or via 101. Details can also be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11."

A large chunk of the Calton and Bridgeton was cordoned off as murder cops probed the incident.

A police guard also stood outside a property in Green Street. The officer was stationed at the front entrance of the close and no access was allowed to the public.

Additional police patrols are in the area and anyone with concerns or information can speak to them.

Most locals were shocked to wake up to a police cordon this morning, and admitted they had heard nothing over night.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "When I saw the police tape I immediately thought it was drugs related.

"We have a big problem with drugs in this area. It is normally quiet but when something does happen drugs are usually to blame."

A resident expressed her frustration at drug dealing and anti social behaviour in the area.

She said: "I am forever phoning the police. This area is rife with people taking drugs."

Another resident expressed her shock at the news.

She said: "That's shocking how could someone do that to an old man.

"I can't believe this happened and not far from St Mary's Chapel either."

Meanwhile, patients attending Bridgeton Health Centre are being stopped at a police cordon.

Anyone with an appointment is being asked to sign into the 'crime scene' by police .

A queue of patients could be seen standing on Abercromby Street this morning as officers carried out their investigations.