'Suspicious' death of man in Motherwell flat was targeted attack, police say

A man found dead at a flat in Motherwell is believed to have died in a targeted attack.

Police are investigating the suspicious death of the 26-year-old man discovered in Shields Court around 4.30pm on December 15.

Officers believe the man may have died late on December 14 or in the early hours of December 15.

A hunt has been launched for a man seen in the area on CCTV wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public, and an increased police presence is expected in the area.

Senior investigating officer, detective superintendent Grant Hendry of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “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 dash-cam footage that may have captured something of significance, please contact us.

“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital.”

Local area commander, chief inspector Steven Conn, added: “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.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2147 of Monday, December 15 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An online portal has been set up where information can be sent directly to officers. The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here: https://orlo.uk/RA1Xr