This is the first picture of a Scots murder victim whose body was found in a property hit by a fire.
Charles ‘Chic’ Wilson, 40, was pronounced dead at a flat on Tontine Park, Renton, having been found with serious injuries following the blaze at around 7.20am on Saturday, March 25.
Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, with Charles’ body later recovered from the bedroom. He was last seen alive around 10.45am on Friday, March 24, by a friend at the flat.
The street remains cordoned off today, with police still in attendance and a blue forensic tent outside the property. A murder investigation was launched following a post mortem examination on Sunday, with cops from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team taking over the case.
Family and friends paid tribute to Charles online, telling how they would 'love him forever' while begging for anyone with any information to come forward.
Niece Nicole Hunter wrote: "We will love you forever uncle Chic. Can’t believe you have been taken from us in such a cruel way.
"Someone must know something - anything will help."
Jackie Proctor added: “Can’t believe this, Charles was in my life when he was a boy. Was so fond of him. RIP Charles, will always love you.”
While Natalie Brian Mundie said: “Poor Chic. This is shocking. I’m honestly disgusted how evil people can be.”
And Stanley Sandra commented.: “So sad. Poor Chic wouldn't have harmed anyone.”
At the scene, One of Charles' neighbours told the Record: “Chic was harmless. No one deserves this to happen, but especially not Chic.
“My dad knew him quite well and had asked me to look out for him - I did his washing for him just a few weeks ago.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Wilson’s family and we are providing them with support at this very difficult time.
“Our investigation into his murder is ongoing and I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch as soon as you can.
“Mr Wilson was last seen alive around 10.45am on Friday, 24 March at his flat.
“We are working to establish his movements and what has happened to him between then and his body being discovered on Saturday morning.
“If you believe you have seen him or if you have spoken to him please let us know urgently."
She added: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing since Mr Wilson was found on Saturday morning and officers continue to work door to door along with other lines of investigation.
“There will be an additional police presence in the area as this work continues and I would urge anyone who has any concerns or who believes they may have information to speak to our officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0899 of 25 March, 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Detectives have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major incident team. You can access this here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S17-PO1
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