Police give time window which could be key to solve Rutherglen murder

Ann Coll, 61, was found dead inside her flat at Rutherglen's Newfield Place around 12.45am on December 22.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters described it as a "violent attack" with a weapon, the type used was not disclosed.

Ann was regularly seen by her neighbours walking her collie Lola. The night of her murder she had returned from a walk at the usual time of around 8.30pm.

She was a mum to three grown children and had eight grandchildren, some of whom she had plans to spend the day with before her death.

Detective Watters said: "She was last seen going into her common close around 8.30pm.

"We know she spoke to family around 9.15pm on Thursday (December 21) evening and she was home, safe and happy at the time."

She added: "The picture that’s been painted of Ann is that she was a loving mother and grandmother.

"She was really looking forward to spending the Friday with her granddaughter and having a couple of her grandchildren to spend the evening with her."

Tributes outside Ann's flat (Image: Newsquest)

Chief Inspector Gary Ferguson (L), DCI Lynsey Watters (R) (Image: Newsquest)

Police believe Ann's dog was at home with her when she was attacked.

Reports suggest that Lola's barking allegedly alerted neighbours to her attack who called the police around 12.45am.

Ann had lived in the area for at least 15 years and her tragic death has rocked her tight-knit community in Rutherglen.

Detective Watters said: "She was known as the local dog walker.

"She was not currently working but it's clear from the picture that's been painted she has friends in this community that stay locally.

"We have a timeline of Ann's movements but it's nothing out of the ordinary.

"It's probably what would be expected of Ann - visiting the shops, taking her dog for a walk, speaking with friends.

"There was nothing untoward about Ann's movements that day."

A week into their probe with no strong leads, Detective Watters said the force was "fully committed to tracing the person or people responsible".

Detectives believe anyone who saw anything in the three and a half hour window between Ann's call with her family and her murder may hold the key to their investigation.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 29, Detective Watters said: “Our thoughts remain with Ann’s loved ones who have been left devastated by her death.

"As a family, they should have been enjoying the festive season and instead are grieving a terrible loss.

"We continue to provide them with support at this very difficult time."

She added: “We are fully committed to tracing the person or people responsible as soon as possible, and I am asking the public for their help.  

“If you knew Ann or witnessed anything suspicious or unusual on the evening of Thursday, December 21 into the early hours on Friday, December 22 near to Newfield Place then please contact us as soon as possible.

"This area is one of the main routes from Rutherglen to the Southside and has several bars and restaurants nearby.

"It would have been busier than usual due to the time of year."

Chief Inspector Gary Ferguson said he understood that people in the area were concerned that no arrests had been made but was delighted with the response his officers had received so far.

The local area commander added: “We've had a positive response from the community and I'm delighted by that.

"I would encourage anybody with any information to come forward

"Officers are here 24/7 to try and provide public reassurance. I think its fair to say there is no other wider public concern just now.

“We’re doing everything we can to thoroughly investigate this and keep all of our communities safe.”

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police. This can be accessed here. 

Anyone with information can also call 101, quoting reference 0110 of 22 December, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.