Stolen car linked to man's murder

Brian McQueen was the victim of a "frenzied attack"

Police investigating the murder of a man in Blantyre last month are trying to locate a stolen car believed to have been driven by his attackers.

Brian McQueen, 37, died in hospital after being assaulted by four men in Hardie Street on 13 February.

Police suspect a black Ford Focus seen in the area at the time was stolen from the Hamilton area by the same people earlier in the night.

The hatchback, registration YT03 VZS, was taken from the Hill Street area.

Mr McQueen, from Springwell Crescent, Blantyre, died from serious head injuries in Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, after what police described as a "frenzied attack".

I am anxious to speak to anyone who has seen this Ford Focus since the murder. Has this vehicle been parked in your street during the past five weeks? Det Ch Insp Alan Welsh Strathclyde Police

Det Ch Insp Alan Welsh, of Strathclyde Police, said: "It is believed that this car was in the area around the time that Brian was attacked.

"His assailants, believed to be four men, may have been waiting for Brian or following him as he walked from Small Crescent, shortly before 10pm.

"I am anxious to speak to anyone who has seen this Ford Focus since the murder. Has this vehicle been parked in your street during the past five weeks?"

Police first suspected the involvement of a black or dark-coloured saloon car following an appeal a week after the attack.

Officers stopped and questioned 100 motorists and pedestrians close to the crime scene.

Anyone with information about the car has been urged to contact Strathclyde Police or Crimestoppers.