Thornliebank mum’s plea to find her son’s killers

A year on from the murder of her son, Phyllis Ferns is pleading for people to come forward and speak to police.
Phyllis Ferns with her son Tony. She is urging anyone with information about her son's murder to contact the police.Phyllis Ferns with her son Tony. She is urging anyone with information about her son's murder to contact the police.
Phyllis Ferns with her son Tony. She is urging anyone with information about her son's murder to contact the police.

On Thursday, April 18, 2019, 33-year-old Tony Ferns was murdered in Thornliebank.

A team of detectives continues to investigate his death.

Tony was within his car, an Audi A3, in Crebar Street, when a man approached him and violently assaulted him.

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Despite his injuries, Tony managed to make it home to Roukenburn Street, where paramedics fought to save his life.

However, their attempts were in vain and Tony died with his mother watching on.

A murder inquiry was immediately launched. To date, more than 600 people have been spoken to as part of the investigation, with more than 100 house-to-house enquiries carried out.

Officers have also examined thousands of hours of CCTV footage and a stop and interview operation was carried out a week on from the murder.

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Following enquiries, on May 22, 2019, four men, aged 33, 44, 49 and 63 were arrested in connection with the death. All four were released pending further inquiries.

Today, Phyllis Ferns, Tony’s mum, is appealing to members of the public for help.

“I am pleading to anyone who may have information about whoever is responsible for my son’s murder to please speak to the police,” she said.

“I can hardly put into words how devastated I am at the loss of my son. The pain I feel is unimaginable and while I know nothing will bring him back I need to know who killed him and why his life was cut short.”

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One year on from Tony’s death, officers remain committed to finding answers for his mum, his family and his friends.

Detective Chief Inspector Grant MacLeod said: “Despite the passage of time, I am determined to find whoever is responsible for Tony’s murder.

“It’s clear he was a much loved son and partner and is deeply missed by his family.

“I am convinced there are people out there who have information, vital to this investigation, who have failed to come forward. This may be down to fear or some misplaced loyalty to those responsible for this horrific crime, but please do the right thing and contact us, you can be assured your information will be treated in the utmost confidence.

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“Phyllis had to watch her son, Tony, suffer and die, something no mother should have to go through. Put yourself in her shoes and think how she must feel, does she not deserve to know why her son was murdered and taken from her?

“Please help us find answers for a mother who deserves to know the truth.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4732 of 18 April 2019. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.