Police Seek Four People In Cemetery Murder Probe
Police investigating the murder of a man found seriously injured in a cemetery are keen to trace four people thought to have been in the area at the time.
Michael Mearns, 56, was found with serious injuries at Greenock cemetery in the town's South Street at 8pm on Thursday July 30.
Mr Mearns, from Greenock, died at Inverclyde Royal Hospital the following day.
Police spoke to around 60 people during a second stop and interview operation in and around the cemetery, two weeks on from the incident.
They are keen to speak to two men and two women who are believed to have been near the cemetery between 7.45pm and 7.50pm on July 30 and may be able to provide vital information.
The first man is white, of slim build, with short dark hair. He was wearing glasses, a purple/blue hooded jacket, dark blue jeans, trainers and he was carrying a dark rucksack over his right shoulder. He was last seen walking on Orangefield Lane.
The first woman is white, of slim build, with long straight dark hair. She was wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes. She was also last seen on Orangefield Lane.
Police said the second woman is white, of slim build, with short fair hair and she was wearing a dark hooded jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes. She was last seen walking from Inverkip Road to Orangefield Lane with a white West Highland terrier dog.
The second man was seen walking past the woman with the dog. He is an elderly white man, who was stooped over, carrying shopping bags in both hands, wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and dark footwear.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura McLuckie, from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: "The circumstances surrounding how Michael came about his injuries is still under investigation and we are trying to establish these details and the motive for his murder.
"A team of highly experienced officers are dedicated to this inquiry and continue to gather any information that will help us trace who is responsible for Michael's death.
"The response from the local community has been extremely encouraging and I'd like to thank them for their patience and support.
"I believe that the key to this investigation lies within the community and that someone locally has information that could be of great assistance.
"I urge anyone who has information to contact police immediately and in particular I appeal to the four individuals who were seen in the area between 7.45pm and 7.50pm on Thursday 30 July 2015 to contact police immediately even if you do not think you have any relevant information. Please let us decide that.''