Ann Coll murder: Detectives in Rutherglen appeal for witnesses

Police have appealed for information about the final movements of a woman who was murdered in South Lanarkshire.

Ann Coll, 61, was found with serious injuries at a flat in Rutherglen at about 00:45 on Friday 22 December. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they were treating the death as murder following the results of a post-mortem examination.

Officers have urged anyone who witnessed anything unusual in the area around Newfield Place to contact them.

• Murder probe after woman's death in Rutherglen

They want to speak to anyone who knows about Ms Coll's movements between the night of Thursday 21 December and the early hours of Friday 22 December.

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police, and it can be accessed here.

There has been a heavy police presence in the area for the last week.

Ann Coll, 61, was found with serious injuries at a flat in Rutherglen

Det Ch Insp Lynsey Watters, of the major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Ann's loved ones who have been left devastated by her death.

"As a family, they should be enjoying the festive season. However, instead, they are grieving this terrible loss.

"We continue to provide them with support at this very difficult time and we are committed to tracing the person or people responsible as soon as possible."

Police say Ms Coll left her house to walk her dog in the local area at around 17:00.

She left the flat again at around 20:00 and had returned home by 20:30. It is not thought she left her property again after that.

Det Ch Insp Lynsey Watters said officers were committed to tracing Ms Coll's killer

Ms Coll was safe and well in her home when she spoke to family members at around 21:15.

She was discovered in her flat later that night after her neighbour heard a dog barking and went to check on her.

Det Ch Insp Watters added: "This area is one of the main routes from Rutherglen to the south side of Glasgow and has several bars and restaurants nearby.

"It would have been busier than usual due to the time of year."

Ch Insp Gary Ferguson, local area commander for East Kilbride and Rutherglen, said the investigation was at an early stage but there was no wider threat to the public.

He said: "I believe the answers will lie within the community and I encourage anybody with any information regarding the death of Ann to come forward and assist the police."