A MURDER investigation was launched yesterday after a man was found dead in a
burn.
The body of Darryl Fitch was discovered lying in the stream on Monday night.
It’s thought the 43-year-old had been camping near Locher Water, on the
outskirts of Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, since last Friday.
Officers today said Mr Fitch suffered a violent assault.
Another man who was camping with him was also injured and is being treated in
hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd, the officer leading the inquiry, said: “Mr
Fitch was believed to have been camping or fishing in the area with a friend
since Friday, July 10.
The friend, a 37-year-old man from Paisley, had also sustained an injury and
is currently in hospital receiving treatment.
“Investigations are continuing but right now I do not know if the death
of Mr Fitch and the injury this man suffered are connected.
“I need the public’s help to build up a picture of Mr Fitch’s movements
between Friday and Monday. Who he was with, who he met.”
Police have stepped up patrols in the area and are searching CCTV for clues on
how Darryl, of Paisley, was killed.
Mr Boyd appealed for help from the local community or anyone visiting Locher
Water at the time.
“The area is popular with joggers, cyclists and families enjoying the water
and surrounding pathways and I am appealing to anyone who was in that area
between those dates to come forward,” he said.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area camping or
fishing or who knows of anyone who may have been camping or fishing in this
area during this time.”
Mr Fitch was found in the water, a stretch of the River Gryffe, close to
Crosslee Road and police have set up an incident caravan nearby.