Murders in Glasgow have soared by 40% so far this year after a spate of killings.

Ten people have lost their lives across the city and surrounding areas since the beginning of April - but detectives say they have made arrests in all of the cases, the Evening Times can today reveal.

Our figures reveal the number of murders investigated in Greater Glasgow increased by 42.8% between April 1 and September 30. The rise can be revealed just days after a man was found dead in a Castlemilk close.

Steven Larkin, 45, was discovered shortly after 5am on Sunday in Stravanan Road.

Police arrested a 54-year-old man in connection with the incident.

The number of murders has increased on the previous tally of seven by more than 40% to 10. Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, local policing commander, said: "Unfortunately there has been an increase in the number of murder investigations in the division this year from seven to 10. But we have succeeded in achieving a 100% detection rate."

Earlier this year, Isabelle Sanders was brutally murdered in her Glasgow home by evil Paul McManus. The 20-year-old, who had a knife in both hands, murdered Ms Sanders during a horrific raid at her Crookston home.

As revealed by the Evening Times, he went on a shopping spree just hours after stabbing the 51-year-old more than 30 times. Her family have called for McManus to be given a "whole life" sentence.

McManus forced his way into the property Ms Sanders shared with her 86-year-old partner Norman Busby, at around 2am on April 9. He also viciously attacked ex-cop Mr Busby and stole his car keys from the house, as well as grabbing £300 in cash, a decanter filled with whisky and a laptop.

Stephen McGinlay, who had recently become a father, died after an attack in St George's Road, Woodside, in October.

Two men were arrested following the death of the 26-year-old.

John McFarlane, 28, died in hospital after a late night disturbance in Bishopbriggs in September. The young dad of one was found seriously injured and taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, but later died. A 29-year-old man was later arrested.

Overall crime across Greater Glasgow has dropped by 3.8% in the first six months of the financial year, compared to 2013/14. And attempted murders are down by 60%.

Chief Superintendent Bates said: "My priority is and always will be keeping the people of Greater Glasgow safe.

"We will continue to direct our efforts to areas that cause the public the most concern.

"Violent crime in the division has dropped by 8.8% with a significant reduction in the number of attempted murders - down 56%, from 41 last year, to 18 this year.

"The number of offences for carrying weapons or bladed instrument has also fallen."

Our figures reveal a total of 28,593 crimes were reported to police in the Greater Glasgow area from April 1 to September 30.