Manhunt launched as two men found dead in UK city flat

A murder investigation has been launched after two men were found dead in a flat. Paul Lafferty, 50, and Gary Beaton, 54, were discovered with serious injuries inside a property in Chancellor Street, Partick, Glasgow, at around 4.40pm on Sunday, August 16.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, with post-mortem examinations subsequently carried out on Monday and Tuesday. Police Scotland has now confirmed their deaths are being treated as murder. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, while detectives have launched an urgent appeal for information as they work to trace whoever is responsible. Officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, supported by local officers, are carrying out extensive enquiries in the area. Hours of public and private CCTV footage have already been trawled and door-to-door enquiries are continuing.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Cheryl Kelly said: “My thoughts are with the families of Paul and Gary at this extremely difficult time and we are doing all we can to get them answers.

“Our investigation into the deaths of Paul and Gary are continuing and I would urgently appeal to anyone with information who has not already spoken with us to please do so.

“It is vital we trace whoever is responsible and we are fully committed to doing this.”

A significant police presence will remain in the area while enquiries continue, with high-visibility patrols also being carried out.

Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who knew Paul or Gary, or who was in the Partick area near Chancellor Street from 9am on Friday, August 14, and may have seen either man or witnessed or heard anything suspicious.

Det Supt Kelly urged people not to dismiss information they may have as insignificant, adding: “Please do not assume that the police already know the information you have.”

Superintendent Craig Brady said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Paul and Gary as they try to come to terms with their loss.

“We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.”

Anyone with information can also contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1386 of Sunday, August 16, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.