Two days of brutal violence rocks Paisley Police issue urgent appeal for witnesses
A catalogue of violence over 48 hours in Paisley has left one man dead and two others fighting for life in hospital.
Detectives are probing a brutal murder, three attempted murders and two serious assaults that were reported over Saturday and Sunday.
A knife attack in Argyle Street on Saturday afternoon left one 30- year- old dead and a badly injured 37- year- old man in a serious condition in hospital.
Hours earlier, popular Paisley man Johnny Mcewan, 33, was left fighting for life after being attacked in New Street.
Then on Sunday, cops raced tothe scenes of two murder bids in the Thrushcraigs area of town.
Shortly before 7.30pm, a 31-year-old man was attacked in Thurshcraigs Crescent, near to Barterholm Road, by a gang of armed neds.
He was taken to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment to injuries that are not thought to be life threatening.
Hours later at a nearby flat, a 33- year- old man was knifed during a drinking session.
His condition was described last night as critical but stable.
Cops also had to cope, with two serious assaults with a 46 year-old dad and his teenage son being battered by a group of violent yobs in Ferguslie Park Avenue at around 8pm on Sunday.
And a 28- year- old woman required hospital treatment to a serious facial wound after being attacked in Storie Street following a night out with pals.
Police chiefs, who have not yet identified the murder victim, believe none of the attacks were related.
Detective Inspector Grant MacLeod, who is leading the Argyle Street murder investigation, last night appealed for information.
He said: “The area in which this took place is very residential, therefore I would like to speak to anyone who lives nearby who may have witnessed the disturbance, and would ask them to come forward.
“A man has lost his life following a violent assault and it is a priority that we identify who is responsible.
“The time of the attack was during the afternoon on a weekend, therefore there would have more people than usual in the area.
“This is understandably a real shock to the communities of Paisley. However, I would like to reassure local residents that a team of detectives is working tirelessly on this investigation.
“There are additional officers in the area and I would ask anyone who has any concerns or information to approach those officers.
“Again, I would like to reiterate my appeal for information. Please come forward if you have any information that might assist us.”
Meanwhile, friends of Mr Mcewan, who has been left fighting for life following the attack in New Street, flooded Facebook with messages of support yesterday.
Devastated Darren Scott posted: “Johnny Mcewan you’re in my thoughts, you are more than a friend, you’re a brother.
“My heart is breaking as I type this. You are a legend.
“Love you brother, stay strong. We’re all thinking about you.”
And Andrew Docherty added: “Johnny Mcewan you’re one of my closest pals. You’re more than just a friend you’re a brother.
“You have always made me laugh and smile. Absolutely devastating man.
“Love you and hope to see you soon. Keep strong and keep fighting.”
Following the weekend of violence, Superintendent Robert Kennedy, who is based in Paisley, said extra cops would be on the beat to reassure the public.
He said: “Violence in our community will not be tolerated.
“An arrest has already been made following the incident in New Street and officers are working hard to trace the person or persons responsible for the incident in Argyle Street in which a man has lost his life.
“I want to reassure residents that officers and detectives across Renfrewshire are doing all we can to detect serious and violent crimes in our communities.
“Additional officers have been deployed across Paisley following these serious incidents and I would encourage residents to approach those officers with any information or concerns that they have.”
● Anyone with any information about any of the incidents, is asked to contact cops on 101.