Heartbroken family issue appeal for information following murder of Renfrew man Paul Mathieson

A FRESH appeal for information has been issued following the murder of Paul Mathieson.

The 37-year-old was savagely attacked in Renfrew in the early hours of Sunday January 14.

Detectives continue to investigate his death, and today his sister, 35-year-old Amanda Digby, appealed on behalf of the family for any information which could lead to finding Paul’s killer.

She said: “Paul was an average young man, but so special to us.  He was a brother, a nephew, an uncle, a grandson and a partner.  But more importantly, Paul was a father and his murder has left a 12 year old boy to grow up without his dad.

“Paul left that night to go out for a few drinks, however, he never returned and we never saw him alive again.  His death has left a massive gap in our lives, which will never be filled.  We are devastated at what has happened.

“No-one thinks it will happen to them but it’s happened to us and we are desperately trying to make sense of it.  I just want to ask people, please if you know anything or you have any information about the crime or the person responsible, please speak to police and pass your information on.  Even if you think your information is not relevant, still tell the police.”

It’s approaching three weeks since Paul was found seriously injured in Houston Street, close to Wilson Street in Renfrew.

He had sustained serious head injuries in the attack and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

He died from his injuries just over a week later.

Amanda added: “Imagine if you were in our position, you would do everything you could to find out why your loved one had been cruelly snatched away in such awful circumstances.

“It’s in all our interests to find the person responsible for my brother’s death so please help us find them and contact the police.”

Detectives remain dedicated to finding out who killed Paul and continue to pore over CCTV images for any small detail which could assist them as they follow up lines of enquiry.

Officers are seeking to speak to one man who spoke to a witness shortly after the incident.  He is white, around 5ft. 6 – 5ft. 8 inches in height with a shaved or bald head, stocky build and wearing a dark coloured jacket or coat.

He spoke with an English accent and is believed to have been visiting his sister in Renfrew over the New Year period.  This man was at the top of Houston Street, at its junction with Fulbar Lane and is seen speaking to another person around twenty to thirty minutes after midnight.  Officers are keen for this man to contact them as he may hold key information relating to the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus said: “Paul’s death has had a devastating impact on his family.  We are doing everything we can to find whoever is responsible for his death.  We are in the process of establishing Paul’s movements that particular night and need as much information as possible.

“Renfrew has a busy and vibrant town centre where the answer to this investigation may lie.  We have spoken to more than 200 people, gathering information and eliminating people from the enquiry.

“We believe that Paul may have known his attacker and the key to this investigation is finding the motive. Had he fallen out with anyone that night, that week or that month?

“I ask people to think back and consider, were you in Renfrew that night, did you see Paul in a pub that night.  I am urging anyone with information to come forward, your information could prove the vital link in helping us find the person responsible for this young man’s murder. ”

To date, officers have spoken to more than 200 people and taken more than 100 statements as part of the ongoing enquiry.

Anyone with information is asked to call officers from the Major Investigation Team, based at Paisley Police Station, via 101, quoting incident number 0309 of 14 January 2018.  Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.