Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was found seriously injured in a Scottish cemetery on Thursday night.
A post-mortem examination has been carried out on 56-year-old Michael Mearns, after he was discovered in Greenock Cemetery in South Street, Greenock about 8pm – he later died in hospital.
Inspector Mark Bell from the Major Investigation Team has made a further appeal for witnesses to come forward.
He said today: “Extensive police enquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Mearns and to establish the motive for his murder. Forensic examinations are ongoing at the scene and police officers from the inquiry team are carrying out door to door enquiries and studying CCTV footage from the local area to gather any information which may be pertinent to this investigation.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Greenock Cemetery on Thursday evening who may have seen Michael, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area to get in touch as a matter of urgency. They may unwittingly hold information that could help move this inquiry forward.
“Officers are also working to establish Michael’s last known movements and I would ask anyone who knew him, or who may have seen him in the days prior to this incident to come forward to police, as they may have details that will assist us.
“Extra police patrols will maintain a presence in the area to provide public reassurance and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to officers.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.