‘I just started screaming’ Neighbour thought man’s charred remains were dead animal before true horror emerged

A TERRIFIED resident told of screaming in horror after seeing a burned body lying opposite their home.

The shocked witness revealed the man’s remains were first discovered by a “distraught” young woman early yesterday.

Fire crews and cops were called to Margaret Drive, in Motherwell, and forensics experts in white suits were later seen combing the scene.

The onlooker said: “A young woman found the body. She was absolutely distraught.

“Two fire engines rushed down the street followed by three police cars. From my window, it looked like an animal carcass.

“It was only when I really concentrated that I realised it was human.

“Firemen were carrying pails of water up and dousing it. I just started screaming.”

Officers picked up what appeared to be two five-litre containers which were found yards away from the body.

The grim discovery was made near boulders used to outline a football pitch on waste ground in the Muirhouse area of the town.

Roads around the scene were taped off with dozens of uniformed officers standing guard.

Police Scotland officers held up a blue tarpaulin while a force photographer took shots of the remains which were hidden under a white tent.

Plainclothed detectives were spotted carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

Retired transport manager Richard Delaney, 70, whose house is next to the park, said: “It’s used as a drinking den down there.

“Loads come down and drink in the corner of the park.”

Another neighbour told how he watched the investigation unfold from the high flats across the road.

He said: “From above, it looks like the body was dragged there.

“The grass is all flattened.

“It goes in a curved line and stops where the body was found.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they had attended the scene but said it was a matter for Police Scotland.

A force spokesman said: “At around 9am on Saturday, the body of a man was discovered in the Margaret Drive area of Motherwell.

“His death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.

“Officers remain at the scene, and anyone who has information or concerns can speak to them.”