Royal Mail postman suspended after leaving weak pensioner, 72, lying in the snow

The postman filmed refusing to help a pensioner after she slipped in the snow has been suspended by the Royal Mail amid an ongoing investigation.

The employee, 51, told 72-year-old Patricia Stewart “I can’t help, I’m too knackered” before advising her to wear slippers as he left her lying on the ground.

The incident, which took place in Bainford, Falkirk, on February’s coldest day, was captured on a neighbour’s doorbell camera and shared online.

Mrs Stewart’s family fear she could have died in the freezing conditions, with the pensioner – who walks with a Zimmer frame – suffering from bone disease osteoporosis.

The postman, standing in for her regular postman, could now face the sack if he’s found guilty of gross misconduct, reports the Daily Mail.

Hermes driver Karolina Domska, 22, found Mrs Stewart crying in the snow 20 minutes after the fall and helped her back into her house.

Niece Sheryl Harkins said: “What this gentleman did is disgusting. He deserves everything he is going to get.

“He shouldn’t be working with the public.”

Grandmother-of-two Mrs Stewart, who lives alone, said she felt dizzy and fell from the top step, banging her head.

With the postman ignoring her pleas for help, she said she feared she might have been “lying there for hours”.

Ms Harkins previously said she was still awaiting an apology from the postman.

A Royal Mail area manager later visited Ms Stewart to apologise in person and bring her chocolates.

A spokesman said: “Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times.

“We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.

“We were very sorry to learn about this incident, and for the distress this incident has caused.

“We have been in touch with the customer concerned to apologise and to inform them we are investigating this incident.”