Pensioner is murdered for his Land Rover

A PENSIONER was knocked down and killed while trying to stop a thief stealing his Land Rover from outside his home in Lanarkshire.

James Simpson, 76, rushed out after realising the vehicle’s keys had been stolen from his house, while he and his wife were inside.

He was struck by the 4x4 on the road outside, in Graham Place, Ashgill, near Larkhall, on Tuesday night.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

Mr Simpson’s wife, Minnie, 72, has been left traumatised and was yesterday being comforted by their son and friends, they said.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw the black Land Rover Discovery between the time it fled at 8:10pm and when it was found in nearby Crossford at 9:30pm.

They believe the high-value vehicle was targeted, rather than the couple themselves. It was not damaged when found.

Detective Superintendent Robbie Allan, of Strathclyde Police, said yesterday: “Inquiries are at an early stage.

“However, I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the initial incident take place, or who may have seen this black Land Rover Discovery being driven from Ashgill to where it was later found in the Crossford area around 9:30pm last night to come forward and speak to officers.”

He added: “I am aware that the public will be shocked by this crime, and I want to reassure the local community that we are doing everything possible to bring to justice the persons responsible.

“There will be additional patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns should speak to these officers.”

Last night, police had not identified any suspects and said they were not following any positive lines of inquiry.

It is not currently being linked to any other crime, and police say the area is not known for having a problem with vehicle crime.

Mr Simpson’s Land Rover is now set to undergo forensic examinations.

MSP Christina McKelvie said the murder was “horrific” and would shock the community. The SNP member for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse met police investigating the death yesterday morning.

She said that she had been told the police were following “positive leads”.

Ms McKelvie said: “I would like to reassure people in Ashgill that Strathclyde Police are thoroughly investigating this horrific incident and have told me they have some positive leads.

“I know the whole community will be shocked by what happened last night. This is normally a quiet village with very few crimes.

“There are police on duty throughout the village to reassure the community, and I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything that may be relevant to their investigations to contact the police.”

A spokesman for Victim Support Scotland said: “Clearly, people will be shocked and horrified that something such as this could have occurred.

“It is a danger that is faced by everyone who faces an offender, whether it is during an open attack, or intervening to prevent an attack, or to prevent a crime – it’s always a real danger.”

The spokesman added: “Our sympathies go out to the family.”