Quiet town rocked by broad daylight stabbing
A MAN has died after he was stabbed near a children’s play area in a sleepy town.
The attack happened in John Hastie Park in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, at 1.30pm yesterday.
The area was busy with families enjoying the school holidays.
Bystanders tried to help the man before paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.
Police say they are treating the death as “suspicious”.
One shocked eyewitness told how at least seven police cars arrived shortly after disturbance broke out.
An ambulance was parked on a nearby football pitch after the stabbing, while the surrounding area was cordoned off by police.
A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to reports of a disturbance within John Hastie Park in which a man was seriously injured.
“The ambulance service attended but the man died at the scene.
“A post mortem will take place in due course but police are treating the death as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing.”
Local councillor Margaret Cooper said: “It’s a really uncommon incident for Strathaven Park and it will shock a lot of people locally.
“It’s a well-used park that people will travel from all over to go to.
“A lot of families with young children and dog walkers and community groups like ramblers use the park every day.
“My thoughts are with the man’s family.”