Profiler aids murder inquiry

Margaret Irvine was a widow who lived alone

Detectives hunting the killer of Margaret Irvine will consult a behavioural psychologist in an effort to establish a profile of the person responsible.

The great-grandmother was found tied up and beaten to death by an intruder to her Barwood Road home in Galston, Ayrshire on Sunday, 28 September.

Police said she had been the victim of a "brutal and callous attack".

Detective Chief Inspector Willie Prendergast, who is leading the murder hunt, said the psychologist was being drafted in to help bolster the hunt for Mrs Irvine's killer.

He said: "We are fully committed to tracking down the killer of this heinous crime and I will utilise every tool available to bring the person responsible to justice.

"This investigation is very involved and we are now broadening our scope of enquiry to focus of wider issues.

"The assistance of a behavioural psychologist could greatly assist in building a more specific profile of killer and we hope to meet with him in the next few days."

Mr Prendergast added: "No stone will be left unturned in this investigation and I am absolutely determined we will resolve this crime, no matter how long it takes."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room at Kilmarnock police station on 01563 505 000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.