Human remains discovered in burnt-out van near popular Scots dog walker spot

Human remains have been discovered in a burnt-out van on a rural road in East Ayrshire.

The torched vehicle was discovered in a layby on a single-track road in Newmilns between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area at around 12.05pm on Monday (June 24). The area is known locally as Bonk Belt or Mast Walk.

Formal identification of the remains is yet to take place. Detectives are treating the death as unexplained, and says enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.

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Police Scotland is now appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward to help with their investigation.

Detective Inspector Craig Gilmour said: “At this stage of our investigation, it is unclear why the van was parked in this layby or how it came to be on fire. It is vital anyone with information comes forward.

“The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it's thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midday on Monday and may have seen a white van parked in a layby, or a van on fire, to please get in touch.

“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1615 of Monday, 24 June, 2024.

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