POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after the body of a man was found in a South Lanarkshire flat.

Paul Halley, 43, said by neighbours to be a Celtic fan, was discovered in Hozier Street, Carluke at around 10.20am on Sunday.

Following a post mortem carried out on Monday, Paul’s death, originally classed as suspicious, is now being treated as murder.

Forensic officers have been conducting enquiries at the scene in Carluke, and officers are continuing to carry out door-to-door enquiries, as well as gathering any private or public CCTV footage for examination.

Police Scotland said Mr Halley's elderly parents, family and friends have been left "devastated" by his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “We are in the process of trying to piece together Paul’s movements and to identify anyone he may have come into contact in the throughout Saturday until he was found in his home address on Sunday morning.

“We need to establish the exact circumstances of what led to his murder.

“Carluke is a close-knit community and local people will be concerned by what has happened. I would like to reassure them that we have a dedicated team of experienced detectives working on this inquiry, who are determined to find the person responsible for this crime.

“However, I require the support of the local community to assist us in our enquiries and provide any information which could be relevant to our investigation.

“Anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, or information as to who is responsible is urged to pass that information to police.

“It's vital we trace whoever is responsible.”