Gary Nicol: Police investigating man's death now treating it as murder
Mr Nicol, 50, was found seriously injured in Livingston and died at the scene. The death was initially treated as "unexplained" but a murder investigation is now under way.
Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:04, UK
A murder investigation has been launched as police try to unravel the mystery surrounding a man's death in Scotland.
Gary Nicol was found seriously injured in Bankton Lane, Livingston, at around 2am on Thursday 26 September.
Emergency crews attended but the 50-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination was carried out, with officers initially treating the death as "unexplained".
But in an update today, Police Scotland announced the case has been upgraded to murder in response to further enquiries carried out by a team of specialist officers.
The force said Mr Nicol's family have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Nicol's family and friends at this very difficult time.
"It is vital that we get answers for them and we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible."
From enquiries so far, detectives have established that Mr Nicol drove to Bankton Lane in his black Ford Mondeo car and arrived there around midnight.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw the car, other vehicles or anyone else in the area around that time.
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DCI Pleasance added: "We are trying to piece together Mr Nicol's movements prior to his body being found and would ask anyone with any information to contact officers.
"This is a challenging investigation and any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital so please do pass it on."
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Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr said police "understand the significant impact this has had on the people of Livingston and there is a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation".
"I would like to reassure the community that officers are working hard to trace whoever is responsible, with CCTV footage being gathered from the surrounding area and door-to-door inquiries continuing," she added.
"Detailed forensic work has been carried out and extensive searches of nearby woodland have been undertaken by specialist officers."
An has been set up to allow members of the public to submit information directly to the inquiry team.