Detectives hunting gangster’s killer focus on town

POLICE hunting the killer of sadist gangster Martin Hamilton are focusing on the West Lothian town of Blackburn.

The drug dealer, dubbed the Blackhill Butcher after torturing and raping teenagers, was found last month in nearby West Calder.

Detectives are still searching that scene but are now doing “further work” in Blackburn.

Hamilton was last seen in Glasgow’s Great Western Road on April 16, but the senior detective leading the investigation said he was now particularly interested in Mosside, Blackburn.

The town lies close to the M8.

Blackburn lies around four miles from the spot where Hamilton’s body was found.

Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: “While examinations and searches are ongoing near West Calder where Martin Hamilton’s remains were found, we are now conducting further work in nearby Blackburn.

“We have identified this area of Blackburn as of interest, and I am keen to speak to anyone living or working here who may have any information which could assist.

“As well as some search activity, officers will be carrying out extensive house to house enquiries.”

Mr Graham has previously declined to speculate on motive but confirmed that other inquiries in to gangland incidents were a “consideration” in his own investigation.

Hamilton had been hunted by police since September 2014 after he breached the terms of his licence following his release from prison.

A £2,000 reward was offered for information on the “dangerous” convict’s whereabouts last October.