Murder inquiry launched after 17-year-old dies following disturbance

POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after a teenager died in hospital following a disturbance on Friday night.

Officers were called to a report of an altercation in Greenock at around 10.50pm.

A 17-year-old man was taken to Inverclyde Royal Infirmary by ambulance but died shortly after being admitted. A post-mortem examination is currently being carried out to determine the cause of death.

The incident happened in Kylemore Lane near to Kylemore Terrace, Greenock, which is close to the site of the former Ravenscraig Primary School.

Detective Inspector Mark McGowan from Greenock CID said: "The death of this young man is needless and tragic, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the murder and trace those responsible.

"The disturbance which took place shortly before he was injured drew a lot of attention from people in the area, several of whom contacted emergency services.

"Therefore I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything in the Kylemore Terrace and Kylemore Lane area of Greenock around 10.50pm on Friday night."

Duncan McNeil, the MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, said: "This is another tragedy for Greenock and my heart goes out to the family of this young lad. The whole community is in shock.

"We don't know all the details of the situation yet and the police are still appealing for witnesses, but when are we going to face up to this problem of violence on our streets and confront it head-on? We cannot allow this to continue."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Greenock Police on 01475 492676 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.