Readers pay tribute to dad-of-four Mr Sammour

The funeral of Caldercruix dad-of-four Mohammad Abu Sammour was held last Thursday, with an online donation page set up to help support his family raising more than £1300 so far.

Mr Sammour was found bleeding to death in Holytown on October 28 and died in hospital a short while later; a 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder.

The Advertiser’s Facebook readers responded to news of Mr Sammour’s funeral by paying tribute to the beloved member of the community.

Sarah Hill commented: “He was one of the funniest and nicest guys you could meet; taken far too soon. “God bless his family.” Charlenemarie Ashcroft added:“God love his poor family. My thoughts and prayers are with his children, family and friends.”

Linda Ian Blair said: “What a lovely man, taken far too soon.”

There were also kinds words from Jamie Paterson: “He was an incredibly friendly man and touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

“My deepest condolences go to his family.”

Meanwhile, a quartet of fearless officers from Coatbridge were recognised for their heroic acts of courage at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards.

Sergeant Mark Chivers and constables Neil McBain, Chris Mains and Darren Connor were presented with their award in recognition of their incredible efforts to save the life of a man who was intent on throwing himself out of the window of a 12th floor flat.

The incident took place in July and the officers responded to multiple calls from the public to say that a clearly agitated man was attempting to jump from the high-rise tower block.

Advertiser Facebook reader Shelly Coyne responded: “My family and I were witness to this incident; it was horrific as the man was trying to pull the officer with him. They were so brave.”

Alex McCartney opined: “Well done lads. Usually we only hear bad things about police. Some of us know better.”

Beverley Kane added: “These coppers need to tour Scotland and show what it takes to be a proper police officer; well done to these guys.”

Dave Robertson joked: “Chivers and McBain sound like a top-class TV crime fighting team! Well in boys.”

Thomas Renton said: “Well-deserved honour for this fearless four.”