POLICE are investigating murder after a man was found dead in Kilwinning on Friday, October 18.

Shortly before 2pm, 44-year-old John Taylor, from the town, was found with serious injuries outside his home in Pollock Crescent.

Emergency services were called and attended however Mr Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following a post-mortem examination his death is being treated as murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie, from Major Investigation Teams West, said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Taylor's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"They are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked that their privacy is respected.

"From our enquiries so far, we believe this to have been a targeted attack and a dedicated team of officers are working to trace those responsible as soon as possible.

"We have already spoken to a number of people who came to Mr Taylor's aid until the ambulance arrived and I would like to thank them for their assistance.

"However, I am still keen to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time, and may have seen or heard anything suspicious. Please get in touch with officers if you can help.

"Any information could prove vital to getting answers for Mr Taylor's family.

“We would also urge anyone who was in the Pollock Crescent and surrounding area with a dashcam to check your footage as you may have captured something which could be of significance to our investigation."

Detectives have also set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team, which can be submitted anonymously.

The portal can be accessed at: mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S10-PO1.

DCI McCreadie added: "We understand this incident will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are doing everything we can to identify those involved as quickly as possible, with CCTV footage being gathered from the surrounding area and door to door enquiries continuing.

"There will be additional patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1878 of October 18, 2024.”