A murder inquiry has been launched after a man found seriously injured on a street in Livingston died.
Emergency services raced to Bankton Lane in the West Lothian town after receiving the alarm at 2am on Thursday, September 26. Crews attended and a 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
He has been named as Gary Nicol, a grandad from the Livingston area. Following a post-mortem examination, detectives initially treated his death as unexplained.
However, further inquiries carried out by a dedicated team of specialist officers have led to the circumstances being treated as murder. Gary’s family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.
They have asked that their privacy is respected. In the meantime, extensive enquiries continue to be carried out by officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team.
Officers from the local division and operational support units have also been involved in the investigation. It’s believed Gary drove to Bankton Lane in his black Ford Mondeo car, registration GN02GRN.
He arrived at the scene around midnight before he is believed to have been murdered. Images show a forensic tent erected at the scene last month. Officers in white suits could be seen combing through the area as a cordon was put in place.
Those in the area at the time of the incident – particularly those who may have spotted Gary’s car or any other vehicles – have been urged to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance, from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Nicol’s family and friends at this very difficult time. It is vital that we get answers for them and we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.
“Our investigation into Mr Nicol’s death continues and I would urgently appeal to anyone with information who has not already spoken with us to please do so. We are keen to hear from anyone who saw a car of this description in the area around midnight or anyone or vehicles in and around the Bankton Lane area.
“We are trying to piece together Mr Nicol’s movements prior to his body being found and would ask anyone with any information to contact officers. This is a challenging investigation and any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital so please do pass it on.”
Local area commander Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, said: “We understand the significant impact this has had on the people of Livingston and there is a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation. I would like to reassure the community that officers are working hard to trace whoever is responsible, with CCTV footage being gathered from the surrounding area and door to door inquiries continuing.
“Detailed forensic work has been carried out and extensive searches of nearby woodland have been undertaken by specialist officers.”
Mr Nicol was described as a “lovely guy” by those who knew him.
Writing on Facebook, Kirsty McGirr said: “Heartbreaking, such a lovely guy, thoughts are with all the family, RIP.”
Stacey M Logie wrote: “Heartbreaking, couldn’t meet a nicer man.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 0278 of September 26, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
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