Renewed appeal over park murder

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7215698.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Detectives investigating the murder of a man found in a Glasgow park have stopped and interviewed motorists and pedestrians near where he was found.

John Devine was found in bushes in Cowlairs Park, near Keppochhill Road, on 16 July last year.

The 45-year-old's dog, Chico, was found close to his body.

It is thought Mr Devine, who was known as Jake, had been dead for four or five days before he was discovered by a member of the public.

Police inquires revealed that Mr Devine was seen in Parkhead Forge in Glasgow at about 1430 GMT on 10 July. He was also seen entering Cowlairs Park at about 2030 GMT that evening.

I would appeal to dog walkers, who may have seen Mr Devine with his dog Chico or the dog on its own within the park in the days leading up to the discovery of Mr Devine's body to contact police Det Ch Insp Ricky MasonStrathclyde Police

It has now been established that he was last seen in Keppochhill Road near Pinkston Road between 2230 GMT and 2245 GMT on 10 July.

Det Ch Insp Ricky Mason, who is in charge of the case, said: "I realise that the enquiry is entering its seventh month of investigation but new information from the public is still forthcoming.

He said the aim of the road check was to find out from people who use the route on a regular basis whether they saw Mr Devine with his dog and whether anyone was seen in his company.

He added: "I would appeal to dog walkers, who may have seen Mr Devine with his dog Chico, or the dog on its own within the park in the days leading up to the discovery of Mr Devine's body on Monday 16 July to contact police."

Witness appeal

Detectives want to trace a man described as being 25-29 years-old, 5ft 9in tall, of thin build, with a long face and large eyes.

He had light brown facial hair and was wearing a dirty-green parka-style jacket and dark blue jeans.

The man was seen walking a young German shepherd/Alsatian type dog.

Mr Mason said police also want to speak to two men who were seen leaving the park entrance close to where Mr Devine was found.

They left the park at about 2250 GMT and may have seen him. They are both described as 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, were both very thin with high cheek bones and were described as looking like twins.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Baird Street police station on 0141 532 4191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.