Three men murdered a man in a busy park during a row over £20.

James Cook, 51, son Jamie Cook, 28, and Peter Brown, 49, attacked Jason McCue in front of horrified families and dog walkers.

The brutal attacked took place at lunchtime in John Hastie Park in Strathaven, Lanarkshire in July 2017.

Mr McCue, 43, was knifed three times - one of which went through his heart.

The gang then fled to the Cook family ice cream shop near to the park.

The three men now face life behind bars after they were convicted of murder at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Jurors heard how Mr McCue was set upon while in the park with a number of friends as he owed money to the men.

Cook snr was described as being "in charge".

Cook jnr and Brown also went after Mr McCue's friends James Adams, Colin Inglis and Thomas Sutherland.

But the trio soon turned on Mr McCue, who ended up stricken on the ground.

Janet Guy witnessed the attack as she walked with her grandchildren and dog.

The 69-year-old said she clocked one man with a knife and another with a hammer.

She said: "I thought at first they were mucking about - but then realised it was more serious.

"There was a man on the ground and he was being kicked from either side.

"I panicked a bit and thought I've got two grand children here, I've got to get them out the park and we doubled back."

The victim's friend, Mr Adams, recalled how he was initially chased by Cook jnr - known as Cookie.

He clocked Cook snr and Brown attacking Mr McCue and Sutherland before the son joined in.

Mr Adams told police: "I didn't see Jason move again.

"I definitely saw all three of them. Cookie, his dad and Peter kicking and jumping on Jason and Tam's head."

Lord Matthews deferred for reports and the trio will return to court later this month for sentencing.

Following the conviction, detective chief inspector Mark Bell said: "I welcome the verdict today.

"This was a brazen attack in a public park in the middle of a summers day.

"Jason was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and it is my sincere hope that his family may now have the opportunity to come to terms with his senseless and needless death."

He added: "My thoughts have remained with them throughout this difficult time.

"A dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland's major investigation teams, local policing and experts from the SPSA worked tirelessly to find those responsible and bring them to justice and my thanks go to them.

"I would also express my gratitude to those who provided vital information and I would commend the strength and determination of the Strathaven community."