ONE MAN DEAD, ANOTHER 'SERIOUS'

Last Updated on Monday, 28 May 2012 17:18 Written by Administrator Monday, 28 May 2012 11:34

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POLICE in Dunoon are investigating two major incidents today (Monday May 28) with one man dead and another seriously injured.

Residents of Cowal Place and Valrose Terrace in the town awoke this morning to find the area sealed off with police tape after the body of a 33-year-old man was discovered in a house in Cowal Place at 1am.

Meanwhile, in Kirk Street, another home was taped off after a 45-year-old man was seriously assaulted - again around 1am.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman told the Standard on Monday morning that while officers were not currently linking the two matters, neither were they ruling out any connection.

Regarding the Cowal Place death, she advised: "A post mortem will be carried out later on Monday and police are currently treating the death as suspicious."

The 45-year-old assault victim was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital where his condition was described as "serious".

While police and forensics officers carried out investigations in the Cowal Place area, residents had to sign in and out as they went about their business. Restrictions were placed on moving vehicles in and out of the residential street while police carried out enquiries and investigations.  

One woman told the Standard: "My husband had his works van searched before he was allowed to leave early this morning. There was police tape everywhere, across some of the walkways."

At Kirk Street, the front door of a flat was taped over, with police standing guard.

Police officers were also making checks at both Argyll and Western Ferries' terminals, with vehicles at the latter being searched.

One local tradesman who was travelling across to Gourock said: "I was queueing as normal and the police came over and wanted to check inside the back of my van. I noticed that other vans were searched too."

Neither man has yet been named by police, and the result of the post mortem on the dead male is expected later on Monday afternoon.

 

 

At 5.15pm on Monday afternoon, Inspector David Armstrong confirmed that no post mortem result was available yet, but added that police were following a line of enquiry.

 

He said: "There is nothing to suggest that the two incidents are related."

 

The serious assault victim remains in a 'serious' condition at Inverclyde Royal Hospital where he is being treated for injuries to his head and upper body.

 

"His injuries are classed as 'serious' because there is a possibility they may result in scarring or disfigurement, but are not considered to be life-threatening," Inspector Armstrong told the Standard.

 

He continued: "My sympathies and condolences go to the victims' family and friends.

 

"Strathclyde Police will make every effort to find the person or persons responsible and bring them to court.

 

"I would like to reassure the public that their safety is our highest priority. Dunoon is a very safe place to live, work and visit and Strathclyde Police will do everything they can to keep it that way.

 

"At this time we have no reason to believe the suspicious death in Cowal Place is linked to the serious assault that took place in Kirk Street, the same morning, nor is there any indication that these were random attacks.

 

"If any member of the public has any information relating to either incident would they please contact the police on 01369 763000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111."