DETECTIVES probing the death of a young amateur footballer are keen to track down a small black car as investigations continue.

Craig Kearney was found injured in the street in East Kilbride’s Lochranza Drive in the early hours of Sunday, March 5.

The 24-year-old, from Neilston, died despite emergency services rushing to the scene to save his life.

Cops originally arrested a 46-year-old man in connection with the death but he was released from custody pending further inquiries.

Glasgow Times: Craig Kearney

Now they have sent letters to residents in the area appealing for information about a small black car as they continue to piece together how the popular young man came to his death.

Their appeals states that they want to hear from anyone who saw the car which is similar in size to a Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo in the street at the same time when Craig died.

They have also appealed for the owner of that vehicle to come forward or anyone who was driving in the Lindsayfield area between 1.30am and 2.30am on March 5.

Police Scotland say their appeal comes as a consequence of information which has come to light.

The letter states: “This letter drop is being carried out in the Lindsayfield area to enquire if you are able to provide any further information and help us eliminate a number of vehicles that were in the vicinity of the incident at the time.”

The Evening Times previously reported that the 46-year-old man arrested in connection with the death was released from custody pending further inquiries.

A Crown Office spokesman said: “The procurator fiscal received a report concerning a 46-year-old male in connection with an alleged incident in East Kilbride on March 5, 2017.

“After full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, he was liberated from custody pending further inquiries and did not appear in court.”

Craig, who previously played for AFC Bonnyholm in Pollok, was laid to rest last month.

His family placed a notice in the Evening Times describing him as a “dearly loved son of Marie and Barry, adored brother of Molly, loving boyfriend of Olivia and a much loved grandson, nephew and dear friend of many.”

Police Scotland urged anyone with information about Craig’s death to contact them.

A spokesman said: “Enquiries continue into the death of 24 year-old Craig Kearney, from Neilston. We continue to seek information from local residents which could help determine the circumstances surrounding his death. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Livingstone via 101.”