We need more help, say police in student murder hunt

THE family of a teenager killed in an unprovoked attack yesterday paid tribute to the student as police appealed for more witnesses to come forward.

Reamonn Gormley, of Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was on his way home with a friend after watching football in a bar when he was stabbed.

The 19-year-old Celtic supporter died in hospital after he was attacked by two men in Glasgow Road at about 10:55pm on Tuesday.

His uncle, John McKay, said: "His parents are shattered. No words can express how we feel, we are all at a loss. We want everyone to know he was a good boy, he was never in any trouble. He was a peacemaker."

His aunt, Lynda Donnelly, added: "He was a gem of a lad. He was a talented footballer and was good at sports."

Flowers, football tops, boots, flags, school scarves and written tributes were left on railings in the street where he was attacked.

One shirt had the message: "God always takes the good ones." Another message, written underneath a photo of the victim, read: "We'll always miss your winning smile. You are a saint, Reamonn. We all love and deeply miss you."

The head teacher of John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton, Eddie Morrison, said the former pupil had been held "in the highest regard".

He said: "Reamonn Gormley was quite simply an outstanding young man. The whole school is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Reamonn, who was, in every sense, a model pupil. He is held in the highest regard by every member of staff who had the privilege and honour to teach him."

Reamonn had been an enthusiastic volunteer in both school and community projects, Mr Morrison said, adding: "There are no words to describe the loss which this school community feels, but we cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss felt by his family and friends of which he has many. We can only pray for his family, who are themselves wonderful people."

The dead teenager had been a psychology student at Glasgow University.

Detective Chief Inspector Robbie Allan, from Strathclyde Police major investigation team, said the teenager's family had been left devastated by the murder, but said he was confident of catching the killers.

"We have had a good response from the public since Reamonn's murder and due to the information provided from the local community, we are now following a number of positive lines of inquiry," he said.

"I would like to thank the community for their response so far and I am confident that, with the help of the local people, we will catch those responsible for this senseless murder."