Abuse worker found dead in her home
A police cordon was set up on the quiet Paisley street. worker for Barnardo’s working at its Paisley Threads centre as a project worker.
She was considered an expert in her field and specialised in working with young mums who suffered from domestic abuse.
Later this year, she had been due to speak at a seminar in London on “young people who use abuse in close relationships”.
In 2014, she was among the team at Barnado’s who helped secure a £600,000 funding grant for the vital work.
Last night, charity chiefs said they were “shocked” by what had happened.
Barnardo’s Scotland boss Martin Crewe said: “We a re deeply saddened to learn of the death of our colleague Alyson Watt, who was a much- valued and long- standing member of staff in Paisley.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and we are continuing to support police with their inquiries.”
Yesterday afternoon, friends of the family stood in shock at the police cordon blocking entry to the family’s street.
Officers were examining drains and scouring the garden of the house in Penilee Road.
A blue and white forensic tent had also been erected at the front door of the three bedroom semidetached property – which is worth around £190,000 – in the quiet road close to the community sports centre.
Forensic officers took photos of the scene.
Later yesterday, a body was removed and taken away by private ambulance.
Ralston Community Councillor Paul Masterton said: “This is a tight-knit community.
“We are completely in shock. We have quarterly meetings with the police to discuss community crime and the most we get is three or four cases of attempted break- ins in cars. This is completely out of the ordinary.”
Local MP Gavin Newlands said locals will “rally around the family in these dark times”.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed two ambulances and its special operations response team were sent to the incident.
They said: “We received a call at 4.50pm on June 2 to attend an address in Paisley.
“One male patient has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”
A 54- year- old man was arrested in Dumfries and Galloway in connection with the incident following a police manhunt.