TV may

help in hunt for player's murderer

CRIMEWATCH is set to be called into help detectives solve the brutal murder of young Celtic player Lawrence Haggart, who died a year ago this weekend.

Lawrence, 15, was savagely beaten with a blunt instrument in a late-night attack at his home on March 16.

His elder brother, John, 17, found him unconscious in the living room of the family home in Larbert, near Stirling,with his badly charred feet burning on the gas fire. Lawrence died in hospital the following day.

Just days before the anniversary of his death, detectives admit they are no nearer to catching the talented young footballer's killer.

Now they are to ask TV crimebusters Nick Ross and Jill Dando to help them.

Police say they will need permission from the boy's family but, last night, Lawrence's father, Larry, 36, said he wanted them to go ahead.

Mr Haggart said: ''I know it isn't an easy job but I feel the police haven't been doing enough to catch whoever murdered my lad.

''I'd like to see this go on Crimewatch, so people might remember something which could help us catch the killer.

''Somebody out there knows who did it and how they can live with that on their conscience defeats me.

''But if they won't come forward to Central Scotland Police, maybe they'll ring Crimewatch and reveal what they know.''

Mr Haggart was speaking as family, friends, and school friends made preparations for a memorial service.

Hundreds are set to gather for the memorial mass on Monday at St Mungo's RC High School, Falkirk, where Law-rence was a pupil.

The killing stunned the soccer world and the whole of the Celtic first team turned out for the boy's funeral.

Lawrence, whose great uncle was Celtic legend Neilly Mochan, had made his debut for the Scottish international under-15s squad three days before his death.

He had been due to sign professional forms with the Parkhead club last Christmas.

Last night, a Crimewatch UK spokesman said: ''If our viewers can help solve a murder, they will.

''But we can't do anything unless the case is referred to us by the local police.''