Murder hunt launched after body is found in flat

The victim, local man Kirk Cole (36), was found in a property in Cairnhill Drive, and a murder hunt began after post mortem analysis was assessed.

Relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan McAlpine at Police Scotland’s Major Crime Investigation Team (West) said: “My officers are currently reviewing CCTV and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

“Our initial enquiries have revealed that Mr Cole was with a friend within a flat in Cairnhill Drive from around 9pm on Wednesday.

“We also believe that at least one person, possibly more, arrived at the flat during that night and into the early hours of the morning.”

He added: “Early indications suggest that there may have been a disturbance at the flat during the night and therefore it is vital that anyone who was with Mr Cole since 9pm on Wednesday 21 until the early hours of Thursday morning contact police immediately.

“A police incident caravan will remain at the scene and there will be extra patrols in the area.

“However I must stress that there is no information to suggest that anyone else in the local area is at risk.

“I’d encourage local residents to speak to the officers in the area if they have any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Helen St Police Office via 101 quoting incident number 0758 of 22 June.

Alternatively calls can be made to Crime stoppers on 0800 111 555 where anonymity can be maintained