POLICE say they are following a “positive line of enquiry” after opening a murder probe into the death of a man in Scotland who was reportedly tortured and broadcast on social media.
Alan Lawson, 36, died in hospital on Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 after being assaulted at a property on Alexander Avenue, Largs, over the weekend of Saturday, 3 February.
Lawson’s alleged attacker is reported to have held him hostage, chained to a radiator, while he was tortured, beaten, and slashed in a horrific attack which was boasted of on SnapChat.
The Mirror reported that people who had seen the clips on the social media platform saw the wounded man in a blood-splattered room, while the alleged attacker also shared a selfie on themselves smeared in blood.
On Wednesday, police opened a murder investigation and the following day launched an online portal for members of the public to contact officers directly.
Officers said they were “aware of social media content reportedly connected to the investigation”.
Detective Chief Inspector Ally Semple, from the Major Investigation Team, said: “Officers continue to support Alan’s family at this difficult time. They’ve requested their privacy be respected as they try to come to terms with what has happened.
“We’re following a positive line of enquiry and are aware of social media content reportedly connected to the investigation.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has provided us with information so far but we still need the public’s help to establish exactly what happened to Alan.
“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, could be crucial to the investigation.
“I urge anyone who was in the Alexander Avenue area of Largs or around New England Road, Saltcoats, over the weekend and may have seen something suspicious to get in touch. Anyone in those areas with dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help, should contact police immediately.
“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area as our enquiries continue and anyone with concerns can speak to these officers.”
In addition to the online portal, which can be found here https://ow.ly/b1TL50Qz6o2, anyone with information can also call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3304 of 4 February. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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