A MURDER probe has been launched after a man who was abducted from his home and assaulted has now died in hospital. 

Police Scotland detectives said the 59-year-old died earlier this afternoon at Monklands Hospital and his death will now be treated as murder. 

The force added that a post mortem examination is to take place to establish the cause of death. 

We reported on the attack, which happened on Monday at 12.30am. Cops were called to a report of a disturbance within a house in Frew Street, Airdrie.  The victin who lives at the address was found injured a short time later on Rankin Crescent in Greengairs.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Sommerville, from the Major Investigation Team, is re-appealing for information.  

He said:  “We are continuing to carry out extensive inquiries to find out more information on the exact circumstances surrounding this incident and gather more information on those involved and the vehicle used.

“Officers are studying a large amount of CCTV from the local area, and are following up all lines of inquiry from the footage.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area of Frew Street, Airdrie and Rankin Crescent in Greengairs between midnight and 1.30am on Monday morning, who has any information that will assist this murder investigation to come forward.  

“Anyone with any information that may assist the ongoing inquiry, no matter how insignificant it may seem should contact detectives through 101 quoting reference number 0074 of 19th August 2019.  

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”