Tributes have been paid to a man murdered in a flat in Renton.
The victim, named as Charles or Chic Wilson, was found dead inside the Tontine Park property on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to a fire in the flat at around 7am.
After the blaze was extinguished, the man’s body was discovered inside a bedroom.
Following a post-mortem examination police revealed they were treating the death as murder.
A major probe has been launched and top detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team are leading the case.
Renton councillor Jim Bollan said: “People are devastated in the area.
“I spoke to a few residents over the weekend and they are shocked that something like this could happen.
“Hopefully the police will be able to complete their investigation soon, and whoever is responsible can be brought to justice.
“You never expect something like this to happen.
“It’s a shock. And people are devastated and worried.
“Hopefully the police will be able to complete their investigation quickly to put people’s minds at rest.
“It’s a terrible situation and my heart goes out to Chic’s family and friends.”
One shocked neighbour said: “Chic was harmless. No one deserves this to happen, but especially not Chic.”
And another said: “This is heartbreaking , sending love to Chic and his family.”
The man was last seen alive around 10.45am last Friday by a friend at the flat.
His body was discovered the following morning and police want to speak to anyone who may have seen, or spoke to him between these hours.
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.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.59am on Saturday, March 25 to reports of a house fire in Renton, West Dunbartonshire.
“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the village’s Tontine Park, where firefighters extinguished the fire before leaving the area.”
Urging people to come forward if they know anything, Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “I was incredibly saddened to hear of the incident which occurred in Tontine Park, Renton over the weekend.
“My thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life.
“I thank the emergency services for their action and ask that anyone with any information relating to this incident contacts the police immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0899 of March 25, 2023.
Alternatively, anyone who knows anything can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
