Police Launch Murder Investigation After Victim’s Ordeal Shared on Snapchat
Alan Lawson, a 36-year-old man from Saltcoats, died from his injuries after being kidnapped and tortured in a gruesome attack that was filmed and posted on Snapchat by the perpetrator. The police are treating the case as a murder investigation and have appealed to the public for any information that could help them catch the killer.
Lawson was reportedly abducted from his home and taken to Largs, where he was held captive and subjected to a brutal assault that left him with a head wound and other serious injuries. The attacker, who has not been identified yet, shared graphic videos of the torture on Snapchat, showing Lawson chained to a radiator and bleeding profusely. The attacker also took a selfie with blood on his face and clothes, and sent it to Lawson’s family and friends.
Lawson was later dumped back at his home by the attacker, where he was found by his relatives and rushed to the hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Community Shocked and Outraged by the Barbaric Crime
The horrific incident has shaken the Saltcoats community, where Lawson was well-known and liked by many. His family and friends have described him as a “lovely guy” who was always smiling and helping others. They have expressed their grief and anger over his senseless death, and have demanded justice for him.
Many residents have also expressed their fear and disgust over the violence that occurred in their neighborhood, and have condemned the attacker for his cowardice and cruelty. Some have also criticized the social media platform Snapchat for allowing such disturbing content to be shared online, and have called for stricter regulations and monitoring of the app.
Police Seek Leads and Witnesses to Solve the Case
Detective Chief Inspector Ally Semple, who is leading the investigation, has urged anyone who has any information about the case to come forward and help the police. He said that the police are following a number of lines of inquiry, and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Alexander Avenue area of Largs or the New England Road area of Saltcoats between Monday, February 5 and Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
He also asked anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from those areas to contact the police, as it could provide vital clues to the case. He added that the police have set up an online portal where the public can submit any relevant information anonymously.
Semple assured the public that the police are doing everything they can to find and arrest the attacker, and to bring closure to Lawson’s family. He also said that the police are providing extra patrols and support in the affected areas, and are ready to address any concerns or queries from the community.
The case of Alan Lawson is one of the most shocking and appalling crimes that has ever occurred in Saltcoats, and has left a deep scar on the town. The police and the public are hoping that the killer will be caught soon, and that justice will be served for the victim and his loved ones.
