Murder detectives talk to locals in Renfrew

21 January 2018, 07:03

Mathieson

A murder inquiry is launched as man dies following street attack

37 year old Paul Mathieson was found with serious head and facial injuries in Wilson Street, Renfrew, just after 1am on Sunday January 14.

Police believe he had been there for some time following the apparently unprovoked assault before he was found by a passer-by.

He was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but died in the early hours of Saturday January 20.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus said: "From our enquiries so far, we know that Mr Mathieson was the victim of a sustained and brutal attack by one man and that he died as a result of his injuries.

"Mr Mathieson, who is quite well known in the Renfrew area, had been out for the night and was heading home after buying a pizza from a nearby fast food shop, when, from CCTV, he is seen talking to another man in Wilson Street.

"Then, for some unknown reason, the man attacks him, punching him to the ground and striking him several times before making off towards Houston Street.

"Unfortunately, Mr Mathieson lay for some time before he was found by a member of the public who called the emergency services."

Officers have traced a number of people who were seen in the area on CCTV but they have still to catch the man responsible.

Appealing for witnesses, DCI Fergus went on: "We need to trace Mr Mathieson's movements that night and speak to those who may have seen him about.

"He was in the Kind Man's pub in Hairst Street and the Western bar on Main Street, Renfrew, earlier in the night and then popped into a takeaway near his home to get something to eat.

"Renfrew town centre would have been busy at that time, so did you see him out and about then or have you any information that may help us trace the man responsible for his murder?

"As I said, this was a sustained and brutal attack which would seem unprovoked and I am appealing to anyone who can help us catch his killer to get in touch with police as soon as possible."

Police are stepping up their patrols in Renfrew town centre on Saturday as they look to speak to people in the search for information.