Police launch murder hunt after man found dead in flat
A murder hunt has been launched after a man was subjected to a “sustained attack” in his own home.
The body of Paul Halley, 43, was found at the property in Carluke, South Lanarkshire, around 10:20am on Sunday.
After a post-mortem examination, police launched a murder inquiry and have stepped up patrols in the area.
They said he had been the victim of a “sustained attack” within his flat and that his death had left his siblings and elderly parents devastated.
Mr Halley was last seen at his home in the town’s Hozier Street on Saturday around 7pm and officers are appealing for information on his movements in the hours leading up to his death.
Forensic officers have been carrying out a search of the flat and CCTV from the area is being examined.
Speaking outside Mr Halley’s home, Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown of Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Team said: “We are in the process of trying to piece together Paul’s movements and to identify anyone he may have come into contact in the throughout Saturday until he was found in his home address on Sunday morning. We need to establish the exact circumstances of what led to his murder.
“The person responsible is still at large so we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances that led to this but I can confirm the attack happened in his home address.
“He has been the victim of a sustained attack within his home address. Paul is survived by his elderly parents and three siblings who are understandably devastated with the death of Paul which is untimely at the age of 43.”
He added: “Carluke is a tight knit community and I believe there will be crucial information sitting within this community that will undoubtedly assist this police investigation.
“I would urge anyone who has knowledge of Paul to come forward and engage with the police investigation and provide us with any information regardless how small or insignificant they might think it is.
“It may be something that is deemed not to be relevant that does prove to be a vital piece of evidence that assists us to identify Paul’s killer.”