Murder investigation launched as man, 44, dies after ‘targeted attack’

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died in what police believe was a “targeted attack” outside his home in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.

John Taylor, 44, was found with serious injuries outside his home in Pollock Crescent on Friday at around 1.55pm, Police Scotland said.

A number of people tried to help Mr Taylor but he was pronounced dead on at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie, of the major investigation teams west, said: “From our enquiries so far, we believe this to have been a targeted attack and a dedicated team of officers are working to trace those responsible as soon as possible.

“We have already spoken to a number of people who came to Mr Taylor’s aid until the ambulance arrived and I would like to thank them for their assistance.

“However, I am still keen to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard anything suspicious. Please get in touch with officers if you can help.

“Any information could prove vital to getting answers for Mr Taylor’s family.

“We would also urge anyone who was in the Pollock Crescent and surrounding area with a dashcam to check your footage as you may have captured something which could be of significance to our investigation.”

He also passed on condolences to Mr Taylor’s family and friends, adding: “They are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked that their privacy is respected.”

Detectives have also set up a website – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S10-PO1 – that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the major investigation team, which can be submitted anonymously.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1878 of 18 October 2024.