A man found dead at a house was subjected to a “prolonged and vicious” attack, according to police.
Detectives have now launched a murder probe into the death of James Murray in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.
The 24-year-old’s body was found at a property in the town’s Holyrood Street at around 6.45pm on Friday.
Police believe James Murray was attacked (Police Scotland/PA)
Police are treating his death as suspicious after a post-mortem examination was carried out.
Officers are appealing for information and want to speak to anyone who spent time with the victim in the last few weeks.
Extra police patrols are currently being carried out in the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown said: “Mr Murray has been the victim of a very prolonged and vicious attack and as such it is vital that we trace the person or persons responsible for his death.
“My officers are currently carrying out further forensic examinations as well as viewing CCTV and speaking to local people in the community in an attempt to progress our inquiry.
“As part of our investigation we would like to speak to anyone who has been in the company of Mr Murray since the beginning of January and in particular anyone who has seen him from January 19 until he was discovered on Friday January 26. It is only by speaking to those in his company, we can begin to piece together his movements in the lead up to his untimely death.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the major investigation team at Coatbridge on 101, quoting incident number 3276 of January 26.