Newarthill murder: Airdrie man named as victim as police appeal for information

Police have launched a murder investigation after the death of a 49-year-old man near Newarthill on Sunday.

A van similar to the one found burnt out. Inset: Mohammad Abu Sammour.

Around 1 a.m. on October 28, police were called to a report of the man lying seriously injured in Panmuir Crescent - part of a new housing development still under construction and situated between Holytown and Newarthill near to Holytown Crematorium and Torrance Park Golf Course.

Emergency services attended and he was taken to Wishaw General Hospital where he died a short time later.

The victim has been named as Mohammad Abu Sammour of Caldercruix, Airdrie, a site security supervisor who travelled around a number of building sites in the central belt.

Following a post mortem examination a murder inquiry was launched. Mr Sammour’s family has been informed and a full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Chief Inspector David Pinkney, of the Major Investigation Teams, said: “Around 1.05 am on Sunday morning, a witness reported seeing a small white van being driven off at speed on a roadway adjacent to Panmuir Crescent. On investigating this incident, the witness discovered Mohammad Abu Sammour lying seriously injured on the roadway and contacted the emergency services. Despite the medical assistance provided to Mr Abu Sammour he died in the early hours of the morning.

“Enquiries are being carried out to identify his last known movements and we would urge anyone with information to contact us.

“We now believe that the vehicle which was seen driving off is in fact Mr Abu Sammours’s works van which is a white Peugeot Partner van with blue writing on the side.

“At this time the motive of the murder is unknown. However, our extensive enquiries are ongoing and we retain an open mind.

“We also need to ascertain if anyone has seen this white van between 1.00 am and midday on Sunday, October 28, when it was found burnt out within waste gound situated between the A723 and Burn Crescent, New Stevenston.

“Once again, I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have seen the van travelling in the local area to please get in touch with officers. If you do not wish to contact police, you can pass information in confidence to Crimestoppers.

“Mr Abu Sammour’s family has been left devastated, it is imperative that we trace those responsible for his death as soon as possible, and I need help from the local community of Newarthill and Holytown to achieve that.”

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, area commander, added: “This is an absolutely shocking incident and I would like to reassure the local community that we are working with our colleagues in the Major Investigation Teams to identify the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mr Abu Sammour.

“I can understand the concerns that local people will have given the violent nature of this incident, however, I would like to assure them that there are additional officers working in the area providing extra patrols and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to these officers.

“We are providing support to Mr Sammour’s family during this incredibly distressing time. I would like to echo the appeal from Detective Chief Inspector Pinkney, if you have any information please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 348 of October 28.