Blantyre in shock after two young friends found dead together

By GARETH ROSE
Published on 11/10/2012 14:33

A COMMUNITY is in shock after two young friends were found dead in a house in Blantyre.

Police are probing the mystery deaths of Dominic Paterson, 21, and Colin Campbell, 25, who were found in South Lanarkshire town where Mr Paterson lived with his mother, Nicola.

A post-mortem examination is due today to establish the cause of the deaths.

Neighbours said they saw a woman run out of the property in Murray Crescent screaming at about 6pm on Tuesday. Police were then called.

Natasha Whiteford, 35, said: “I came home from work and not long after that I heard this terrible scream from across the street.

“I went to my window and saw a woman outside. She was crying her eyes out and screaming at the top of her voice.

“She seemed completely terrified and in complete shock. She was shouting, ‘No, no’ and ‘help’.

“People started coming out of their houses and ran over to her.

“She was absolutely distraught. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was heartbreaking.”

She added: “I was told someone then called 999 and soon after that the street was swarming with police.

“The woman was taken away by officers and the house was taped off.

“Later I saw the men in the white suits going into the house. They stayed there until the early hours of the morning.”

Mr Paterson was a Celtic fan who was studying at Motherwell College. Neighbours described him as well-liked and popular.

“It is shocking that this has happened on our doorstep,” one said. “There’s never any trouble here and this has stunned the whole place.

“I don’t know the family but they always seemed very nice. I used to see the young boy out and about quite a lot. He seemed very popular and was always with friends.”

The two men had been friends for a number of years and had both attended Holy Cross High School in Hamilton.

Last night tributes were being paid on Facebook.

Ashleigh Chisholm wrote: “Dom I can’t believe it. I hoped and prayed for you last night that it wasn’t true. I’m absolutely gutted.

“You were such a lovely person, full of life! Always the life and soul of the party. Rest in peace angel you’ll be forever in our hearts.”

Elizabeth McCluskey added: “Cannot believe it! I love u guys so much! Two absolute legends! I can’t even say how much I’ll miss you.”

Hugh Logan, principal and chief executive of Motherwell College, also paid tribute to Mr Paterson, saying: “Everyone at Motherwell College is saddened to hear this dreadful news and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to a report that two men had been found within a house in Blantyre.

“Inquiries are continuing.”