Police launch murder probe after man’s body found in flat

BY DAVID LEASK

AMURDER investigation has been launched after the discovery of man’s body in a flat in North Lanarkshire. The remains of Malcolm McLaren, pictured, were found in his hometown of Airdrie on Thursday.

However, following a post-mortem examination, detectives announced on Saturday they are treating his death as murder.

Officers are gathering CCTV footage from the area and have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Livingstone said: “Extensive inquiries have been ongoing with specialist officers and forensics teams conducting examinations at the scene.

“We are working to establish a motive for this murder and we are in the process of piecing together Mr McLaren’s movements in the days leading up to his death.

“Inquiries so far have revealed that he was in Airdrie town centre around 3pm on Wednesday before making his way home to Clark Street.

“It’s important we establish Mr McLaren’s movements from then on, where he went, who he saw, who he met,” he said, “so if anyone has any information or was in town centre or Clark Street on Wednesday afternoon, please do get in touch with us, your information could prove vital in our inquiries.”

Police received a report that a body had been discovered in the Clark Street flat at around 10.25am on Thursday.