DETECTIVES were today waiting to quiz an injured man after his friend was murdered during a camping trip.

Mature student Darryl Fitch, 43, died after a brutal attack, while his 37-year-old camping companion was rushed to hospital after he was found nearby.

As reported by the Evening Times, Mr Fitch's body was found in water at Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, shortly before 8pm on Monday.

When police arrived at the scene, the found his seriously injured pal lying near the water.

Detectives, who are investigating whether a third person was involved, believe the injured man may hold vital clues about the murder.

A senior police source said: "At the moment we just don't know what went on.

"But, we can't work on the assumption that the only these two men were involved."

The two men, who are both from Paisley, are believed to have arrived at the beauty spot on Friday afternoon and had planned to spend the weekend camping and fishing.

However, at some point between Friday evening and Monday night, Mr Fitch, was the victim of a "violent attack".

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd, the officer leading the murder probe, said: "At around 7.45pm on Monday evening, the body of Darryl Fitch, from Paisley, was discovered in a stretch of the River Gryffe, known as Locher Water, near to Crosslee road, Bridge of Weir.

"Following a post mortem examination it was discovered that Mr Fitch had sustained a violent assault.

"His death is now being treated as murder. Relatives are aware.

"Mr Fitch was believed to have been camping or fishing in the area with a friend since Friday the 10 July.

"The friend, a 37-year-old man, from Paisley, had also sustained an injury and is currently in hospital receiving treatment."

Medical staff said the man - whose identity has not yet been revealed - remained in a "stable" condition.

However, he has not yet been interviewed by murder squad detectives.

Tributes were paid to Mr Fitch, a computer networking student at the University of the West of Scotland, on social media yesterday.

Police said his relatives had been made aware of his death, however his mother and father have both passed away.

His cousin Joanne Milligan, wrote: "So sad when you hear abut one of your own family passing away.

"Will miss you, Darryl. RIP.

"You've gone to be with your mam and dad, and your brother and sister now, up in heaven."

Another shocked friend said: "He will be missed by us all."

Meanwhile, police have appealed for anyone who was in the area around Locher Water last weekend to contact officers.

DCI Boyd added: "Investigations are continuing.

"But right now I do not know if the death of Mr Fitch and the injury this man suffered are connected.

"I need the public’s help to build up a picture of Mr Fitch’s movements between Friday and Monday.

"Who he was with, who he met.

"I also need help from any of the local community or passing visitors to Locher Water between Friday and Monday.

"The area is popular with joggers, cyclists and families enjoying the water and surrounding pathways.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in that area between those dates to come forward.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area camping or fishing, or who knows of anyone who may have been camping or fishing, in this area during this time.

"We have an incident room established at Govan Police Station and an incident caravan positioned near to the point where Mr Fitch was found. "Officers are also in and around that area."