Murder police hunt white Audi after man mowed down & butchered in Greenock

MURDER cops have revealed that they are hunting a white Audi after a dad was run over and hacked to death with a machete. Armed police swarmed Greenock[1] on Monday night after they confirmed Michael Beaton, known as Mick, was killed in a targeted execution[2] the previous evening.

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The 35-year-old was floored by a car and then struck in the face, neck and leg with a blade[3] as he lay on the street. He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow[4] but died shortly after admission.

Police[5] have now confirmed that he was struck by a white Audi[6] Q2 and is believed to be accident-damaged. They have urged anyone who has any information about the vehicle in question to come forward and speak with officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, from the Major Investigations Team (West), said: "Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the exact circumstances of Mr Beaton's death and I am appealing to anyone who saw the car around the time of the incident, or has any information that could help us in tracing it to get in touch. "This was an extremely violent attack that has shocked the local community.

"I would like to reassure those living in the area that everything possible is being done to trace those responsible and that there will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue. "I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact us.

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"I'd also ask people to check their dashcam and ring doorbell footage in case they have captured something on it which could be vital to our inquiry. "The online portal that gives people access to a form to send information directly to the team can be accessed here[7]. "Alternatively, anyone with information can contact police via 101 quoting incident number 2790 of 26 November, 2023, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained."

It comes after armed cops were scrambled to the Larkfield area of the tow[8]n amid fears that simmering tensions in the area caused by the murder could explode into further violence and retribution. As cops train their guns on the man, he's told to 'walk towards me' with his hands up. He's then handcuffed before being told to get on his knees by one cop as others watch on.

The male was later let go by the officers and was not arrested or charged. A source said: "Police are on high alert and are trying to keep a lid on things. "Larkfield in particular is now a no-go zone without armed back-up.

"This murder has reignited a lot of tension and hate in this area and people want to settle scores."

Detectives and forensic officers from Police Scotland's major investigation team are still out in force in Greenock as they attempt to establish the circumstances of the horror.

St Patrick's Primary School within the police cordon was shut for a second day[9], and evidence markers were seen dotted along the street.

Bizarrely, police initially described the murder as 'unexplained' despite details of the horror incident sweeping the town within hours.

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Cops are working to establish the circumstances of the horror

References

1. ^ Greenock (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
2. ^ Michael Beaton, known as Mick, was killed in a targeted execution (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
3. ^ car and then struck in the face, neck and leg with a blade (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
4. ^ Glasgow (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
5. ^ Police (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
6. ^ Audi (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
7. ^ here (mipp.police.uk)
8. ^ armed cops were scrambled to the Larkfield area of the tow (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
9. ^ shut for a second day (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)