Death of man found in flat being treated as suspicious

Police are treating the death of a man in Motherwell as suspicious after a body was found in a flat on Monday.

The body of a 26-year-old man was found in a flat in Shields Court at 4.30pm on Monday, December 15. His family is aware and being supported by specialist officers.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “From our enquiries so far, we believe the man died late on Sunday night, December 14, or in the early hours of Monday, 15.

“He was discovered in the flat on Monday afternoon, and police were called.

“We are of the opinion this is a targeted attack with no wider threat to the public.”

Officers said they have been carrying out enquiries and checking CCTV and are seeking information about a person seen in the area around 10.35pm on Sunday night.

Detective Superintendent Hendry continued: “Footage shows a person wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers in the area of Shields Court.

“We would ask people to contact us if they saw anything suspicious or the person described, between 10.15pm and 10.45pm on Sunday, December 14.

“If you have any CCTV, private footage or dashcam footage that may have captured something of significance, please contact us. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital.”

An online portal has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

There will also be increased police presence in the area.

Local area commander, Chief Inspector Steven Conn, said: “I understand there will be concern in the local community following this incident. There will be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with concerns can speak to officers.

“We would ask the public to be mindful of not speculating on the circumstances as this can affect the investigation and possible future legal proceedings.”