Appeal as 57-year-old man dies following attack 'yards from home', Update: Pollokshields
(G41 - Tuesday, 17 January, 2012)

At a media conference this afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector David Gailey, the officer leading the investigation into the murder of 57-year-old William McKeeney, said:

"Mr McKeeney had been out socialising in Pollokshaws Road and had called his partner to let her know he was on his way home when he was attacked in Melville Street, just opposite his home around 0040 hours on Sunday morning, 15 January 2012.

"His 48-year-old partner heard a disturbance outside and when she went to look to see what was happening, she saw two men jumping up and down on the street before making off towards Darnley Street.

"She then went outside only to find that it was William who had been attacked.

"As you will no doubt understand, she is completely devastated, as are William's family - most of whom are in Ireland. William was from Donegal.

"Mr McKeeney suffered massive injuries to his head and body in what can only be described as a brutal and sustained attack.

"To speculate on a motive at this time is completely unhelpful, and indeed may hinder our investigation, however, we are keeping an open mind as to why it happened.

"I am convinced that someone in the community knows who did this and I would appeal to them to contact police and help us take this investigation forward.

"Mr McKeeney and his partner were well known in the area.

"William, who worked locally as a labourer, was a popular man who was ready to help anyone he could.

"People should be repulsed by what has happened and I would ask them to think about the effect this has had on his partner and indeed, the local community.

"There are over 60 officers involved in this inquiry and we are determined to find who committed this awful crime."

A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a 57-year-old man in the southside of Glasgow on Sunday 15 January 2012.

Around 0040 hours, William McKeeney was on his way home from a night out when he was attacked by two men in Melville Street, Pollokshields - just a few yards from his home which is in the same street.

He was taken by ambulance to the Victoria Infirmary but he died a short time later.

His family are aware.

The first offender is described as:

• an Asian male
• 6 ft 4 in tall
• thin build
• wearing a light-coloured ‘hoodie' and light-grey, tracksuit bottoms

The second offender is described as:

• an Asian male
• average height and build
• wearing a navy tracksuit

The attackers ran off towards nearby Darnley Street.

Detective Chief Inspector David Gailey, Cathcart CID, is leading the investigation.

He said:

"Mr McKeeney had been out locally socialising in the Pollokshaws Road and Nithsdale Road areas and was making his way home when the attack took place.

"He was found a short distance from his home.

"At the moment, it would appear that it was a completely unprovoked and violent attack.

"I do not know at this time if he met the two men responsible on his way home or close to his house.

"The natural route home for William, who was well known in the area, would have been via Darnley Street, so I would appeal to anyone who saw him during the night to contact us.

"Melville Street and the surrounding area of Pollokshields are residential, so there is the possibility that someone heard or saw something that will help us catch those responsible for this vicious murder."

Anyone who has information regarding who is responsible for this crime to contact Cathcart CID on 0141 532 4943.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Strathclyde

Address:
Melville Street
Pollokshields
Glasgow
Lanarkshire
G41