Detectives launch murder inquiry

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward

Detectives have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a 39-year-old man who was found lying in a city centre street.

William Byrne, from the Easterhouse area, died in the Southern General Hospital.

He had been found at about 0330 GMT on Friday in Glasgow at the junction of Renfield Street and St Vincent Street.

Strathclyde Police said they now know that the victim was assaulted and are treating the death as murder.

It is believed Mr Byrne sustained serious head injuries.

Police reiterated their appeal for the occupants of a white Mercedes-type car to come forward.

There were at least two white men in the car, which was seen in the area of Renfield Street at about 0300 GMT on Friday morning, police said.

Officers believe the people in the car may have spoken to the victim shortly before he was found.

It is known that Mr Byrne had been out in the town with friends and was drinking in the Walkabout bar on Renfrew Street earlier in the evening.

Detective Chief Inspector David Swindle, the officer in charge of the enquiry, said the response from the public had been good but he urged more people to come forward.

He said: "The city was very busy at the time and I would again appeal to anyone who was in the area to contact us."