Detectives in fresh appeal for witnesses after woman’s murder

Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses following the murder of a woman.

Ann Coll, 61, was found with serious injuries at a flat on Newfield Place in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, at around 12.45am on Friday December 22. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives from Police Scotland’s major investigation team have asked members of the local community to come forward with any details that could help identify who was responsible.

Ms Coll is believed to have left her home at around 5pm on Thursday December 21 to walk her dog.

She left her home again at 8pm and returned around 8.30pm, and was safe and well when she spoke to family members at 9.15pm the same evening.

Police do not believe she left her house again.

Speaking to the media in Rutherglen on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters said: “Our thoughts remain with Ann’s loved ones who have been left devastated by her death.

“As a family they should have been enjoying the festive season and instead are grieving a terrible loss.

“We continue to provide them with support at this very difficult time.

“We are fully committed to tracing the person or people responsible as soon as possible, and I am asking the public for their help.”

Ms Watters urged anyone who knew Ms Coll or witnessed anything “suspicious or unusual” on the evening of December 21 to contact police “as soon as possible”.

She added: “This area is one of the main routes from Rutherglen to the south side of Glasgow and has several bars and restaurants nearby.

“It would have been busier than usual due to the time of year.”

She said officers have been carrying out “extensive inquiries” to piece together Ms Coll’s last movements and the circumstances which led to her death.

Ms Watters added: “We are studying a wide range of CCTV from the local area and have been speaking to residents and friends of Ann.

“If you hold information and haven’t yet spoken to police, I ask you to get in touch with us urgently as it may be vital to our inquiry.”

Chief Inspector Gary Ferguson said: “We understand the local community will be concerned, but I would like to reassure them there is an additional policing presence in the area as our inquiries continue.

“If you have concerns or wish to pass information to the inquiry team, these officers can be approached at any time.”

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to police. This can be accessed at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S45-PO1

Anyone with information can also call 101, quoting reference number 0110 of December 22, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.