Murder hunt after teenager, 17, found dying at city park

• Police search Pollok Park on Glasgow's south side after the death of a teenager, named as Lee Grant. Officer believe his death is not gang-related Picture: Robert Omerod

He was found with serious injuries near the entrance to Pollok Park on Pollokshaws Road, on the south side of Glasgow.

Paramedics treated the victim, named locally as Lee Grant, at the scene before he was taken by ambulance to the city's Victoria Infirmary but he died a short time later.

Strathclyde Police said he was found at around 11.50pm on Thursday and said they are treating the death as "suspicious".

It is believed there was a disturbance before the teenager was attacked. However, residents close to where he was found said they heard nothing unusual.

Though an initial statement by the police referred to the disturbance involving "a group of people", officers would not comment on reports that the teenager had been chased through the park by a gang.

Police sources later said they were not linking his death to gang-related violence.

Yesterday the roads surrounding the park and Pollokshaws West railway station were shut by police and traffic diversions put in place. White-suited forensic officers combed through grass and shrubbery near the Shawbridge Road estate, where it is believed the attacker headed after the assault.

The perimeter of the cordoned-off area was quiet during the afternoon, with just four police officers standing guard at its edges.

There were no visible tributes or flowers left at the scene.

Rosemary Watson, manager at nearby Pollokshaws Burgh Halls, said the death had shocked local people.

"The place was all closed off, traffic all redirected. The place is very quiet," she said.

"It's unnerving the fact that it's so near your doorstep. Everyone is talking about it and saying how awful it is and how it's on their doorstep.

"The place has been relatively quiet lately and for this to happen it's just been a shock this morning. It's very sad."

Despite the ongoing investigation, the park, which is a major tourist attraction for the city, as well as being popular with dog walkers and local runners, was kept open throughout the day.

However, the entrance to Pollokshaws Road was sealed.

Pollokshaws West railway station remained shut yesterday as well, with trains travelling through without stopping at the station.

Detective Inspector Pat Campbell, of Govan CID, yesterday made an appeal for information concerning the reported disturbance prior to the discovery of the teenager.

"Our inquiries into the circumstances surrounding this young man's death are currently under way and a post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death," he said.

"Meanwhile I would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Pollokshaws Road prior to 11.50pm on Thursday and witnessed a group of people involved in a disturbance."

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the post mortem took place yesterday afternoon.