Murder Probe After Death Of Man Found Injured At Cemetry

Detectives have launched a murder inquiry into the death of a man who was found injured in a cemetery.

Michael Mearns was discovered seriously injured in Greenock Cemetery, Inverclyde, at around 8pm on Thursday.

The 56-year-old, from Greenock, was taken to hospital where he died on Friday.

The death is now being treated as murder, Police Scotland said. Detective Inspector Mark Bell said: "Extensive police inquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Mearns and to establish the motive for his murder.

"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.''

Forensic examinations are continuing at the scene and officers are also carrying out door-to-door inquiries and studying CCTV footage from the local area, he added.