Man who 'confessed to torture and murder' seen roaming streets by scared locals

14 February 2024 , 10:27

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Alan Lawson, 36, was found severely injured at his home before he died (Image: PA)

The alleged suspect in a murder investigation in Scotland has been spotted roaming the streets, it is claimed.

Victim Alan Lawson died in hospital after he was found with serious injuries at his home in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, on February 4. The 36-year-old is understood to have been held hostage and tortured at a different property in nearby Largs before being left at the second address.

A man allegedly confessed to the crime on Snapchat - and is reported to have been seen on CCTV more than a week later. He allegedly shared footage that he claimed showed Alan's severely wounded body on the floor of a blood-splattered room. Police Scotland continue to investigate and are yet to make an arrest in the case. But locals in Saltcoats and Largs say the alleged suspect has been brazenly moving around in public. It's understood he was seen on CCTV on Glasgow Street in Ardrossan on Friday afternoon (February 9).

Once source told the Daily Record: "He was seen just walking straight down the street. He got caught on camera - as bold as brass. No mask, nothing. He doesn't care. From my understanding, he has been bouncing around houses to evade police. He also has a lot of dodgy friends who are probably more than happy to harbour him."

Officers have said they are following a "positive line of enquiry" into Alan's death, but some Ayrshire locals previously told the Record they are petrified that the killer is still at large while they are left in the dark. The source continued: "Police are reacting too slowly to tips. They have been made aware of the CCTV from Friday.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Police continue the investigation (Reach PLC)

"I get that he's perhaps doing a good job of hiding when officers do show up, but the majority of people around here are well aware of who did it - so I just don't get why cops haven't put a description of him out for people who don't know who they are looking out for. He strolled down Glasgow Street on Friday and there could have been people just walking straight past him with no idea of who he is. It's terrifying."

The man seen by the Daily Record in the Snapchat footage can be described as slim and in his late 20s. He also had light brown hair and facial hair including a faint moustache and beard. It has also been claimed that the alleged attacker was released from jail six months ago following another brutal attack, which allegedly left Alan in a coma.

The source added: "I know the attacker well. I had plenty of interactions with him growing up. He's been getting involved in violent crime since before he was a teenager. He's been in and out of jail several times and he only got out six months ago...

Amie Lawson with her tragic brother Alan (Daily Record)

"Alan was such a chilled guy. He just kept to himself and never caused any issues for anyone. I have no idea what the original beef was about - but knowing the attacker, it could have been something stupid like he owed him a tenner. He should be put away for life this time, but it will still be too late for Alan." Another source who knew Alan and met his alleged attacker behind bars added: "I met him inside and that's where I got to know him."

The Record reported last week that sources who had viewed the traumatising clips told how the attacker claimed Lawson was chained to a radiator while he was beaten and slashed, leaving him with grotesque injuries. Sources added that the man had been on a week-long "crack and booze" bender before he carried out his frenzied attack.

Police swooped on the Largs house of horrors where Alan is believed to have been tortured on Wednesday afternoon, leaving residents in the area shocked by what has taken place in their quiet street. Murder cops have also been seen stationed outside Alan's home on New England Road in Saltcoats. Police say their enquiries are ongoing and they are continuing to appeal for information. When asked about the CCTV footage of the attacker, a Police spokesperson said: "We have nothing to add to our previous statements at this time."

Ryan Carroll