DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a building site security worker have made a fresh appeal for witnesses.

Mohammad Abu Sammour, 49, from Caldercruix in Airdrie was found lying seriously injured at around 1am on Sunday on Panmuir Crescent, part of a new housing estate near Holytown and Newarthill.

He was taken to Wishaw General Hospital but died a short time later.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area and are still trying to establish a motive for the crime, which has left his family devastated.

Witnesses reported seeing a small, white van being driven off at around 1.05am on a road adjacent to Panmuir Crescent, which was later found burnt out on waste ground betwee the A723 and Burn Crescent, New Stevenston.

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Police say the white Peugeot Partner van, which had blue writing on the side, was Mr Abu Sammour's work van. However they are still trying to establish a motive for the crime.

Detective Chief Inspector David Pinkney, of the Major Investigation Teams, said: “Around 1.05 am on Sunday morning, a witness reported seeing a small white van being driven off at speed on a roadway adjacent to Panmuir Crescent.

“Mr Abu Sammour worked as a Site Security Supervisor who travelled around a number of building sites in the Central Belt. 

"Enquiries are being carried out to identify his last known movements and we would urge anyone with information to contact us.

"We now believe that the vehicle which was seen driving off is in fact Mr Abu Sammours's works van which is a white Peugeot Partner van with blue writing on the side.

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“At this time the motive of the murder is unknown. However, our extensive enquiries are ongoing and we retain an open mind.

"We also need to ascertain if anyone has seen this white van between 1.00 am and midday on Sunday, 28 October, when it was found burnt out within waste gound situated between the A723 and Burn Crescent, New Stevenston.

"Once again, I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have seen the van travelling in the local area to please get in touch with officers. 

"Mr Abu Sammour's family has been left devestated, it is imperative that we trace those responsible for his death as soon as possible, and I need help from the local community of Newarthill and Holytown to achieve that."

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Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, area commander, said: "This is an absolutely shocking incident and I would like to reassure the local community that we are working with our colleagues in the Major Investigation Teams to identify the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mr Abu Sammour.

"I can understand the concerns that local people will have given the violent nature of this incident however I would like to assure them that there are additional officers working in the area providing extra patrols and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to these officers.

"We are providing support to Mr Sammour's family during this incredibly distressing time. I would like to echo the appeal from Detective Chief Inspector Pinkney, if you have any information please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 348 of 28th October.