A killer is being hunted by police after a man was found murdered in his flat.

Malcolm McLaren, 40, was found dead at his home in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, on Thursday night.

Police launched an investigation after the discovery of Mr McLaren's body on Clark Street in the town and are now treating the death as murder following a post-mortem examination.

Officers are gathering CCTV footage from in and around the area and have been carrying out door-to- door enquiries as the hunt for the killer gets under way.

Detective chief inspector Paul Livingstone who is leading the inquiry, said: "Extensive enquiries have been ongoing with specialist officers and forensics teams conducting examinations at the scene.

"We are working to establish a motive for this murder and we are in the process of piecing together Mr McLaren's movements in the days leading up to his death.

"Enquiries so far have revealed that he was in Airdrie town centre around 3pm on Wednesday afternoon before making his way home to Clark Street.

"It's important we establish Mr McLaren's movements from then on, where he went, who he saw, who he met, so if anyone has any information or was in town centre or Clark Street on Wednesday afternoon, please do get in touch with us, your information could prove vital in our enquiries."

Anyone who has any information which could assist in the investigation is asked to contact detectives at Helen Street Police Office on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can pass on information anonymously.