Coatbridge Murder: Man Dies In Violent Attack

Police are investigating the murder of a man found dead in a car park in North Lanarkshire.

The body of the 27-year-old - named by police as Mark Thomas Donnelly, from Motherwell - was discovered by a member of the public off Hozier Street, Coatbridge, at around 6.30am on Sunday.

Police have announced they are treating his death as murder after a post-mortem examination revealed he died as a result of a violent assault.

Detectives have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage to establish how Mr Donnelly came about his injuries.

Enquiries have so far revealed that he left his home in Motherwell on Saturday at around 10.55am and was in the town centre at about 11.15am.

He was later seen in the Bellshill area around 5pm the same day.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Graham said Mr Donnelly's family were "devastated" and appealed for anyone who saw the victim on the day, or who knew of his whereabouts during that period to get in touch with police.

He said: "A young man has died as a result of a violent assault and we are currently trying to piece together his last known movements.

"Mark's family has been left devastated by what has happened and I would ask anyone who knew him, who has not yet spoken to the police, to contact us.

"Any information or knowledge could prove vital in helping us establish how this young man died and help us trace whoever is responsible," he added.

A police incident caravan has been set up in Hozier Street, amid additional patrols in the area.

Anyone with any information can approach these officers or contact Coatbridge Police on 01236 502000 or 101.

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.