Police in Glasgow have told of the devastation felt by the family of Ryan Richardson, one week after he was found dead in his home. 

Officers have said that the father of three was a "much-loved son and brother" and that the family are now dealing with the aftermath of a "vicious and brutal attack", which cops are now treating as murder.

This insight into the victim's life came as police in Glasgow launched a fresh appeal for information regarding the investigation into the Shettleston man's death. 

Detective Chief Inspector Grant Macleod, senior investigating officer for the investigation into the murder of Ryan Richardson, has said that he was a "vulnerable man" who "did not deserve to die" in this manner. 

DCI Macleod added: "Ryan was much loved by his family and naturally they are devastated by his death. He also had three young children and again the family are faced with the responsibility of explaining, in time, what has happened to their dad.

"He was known to police however he was also a very vulnerable man in many ways. Notwithstanding his lifestyle or any previous involvement he may have had with police, he certainly did not deserve to die in the manner that he did. 

READ MORE: Ryan Richardson: Police release first photograph of Shettleston murder victim

"Officers attended at Ryan's home address on March and, on forcing entry to that house, found Ryan unfortunately dead. Following an investigation, including a post-mortem investigation, that death is now being treated as a murder inquiry. 

"At this stage it appears he has been assaulted and murdered at his home address. It also appears he has sustained a vicious and brutal attack which has led to significant injuries which has caused his death."

The last confirmed sighting of Ryan remains February 27, when he was dropped near to the Bellgrove Hotel, Gallowgate, by a member of his family at around 11.45am. 

Family had become concerned about Ryan's wellbeing after a lack of contact with them since this last confirmed sighting. 

While a number of other possible sightings have been reported to police, these remain unverified at this point. 

Police say that it is unclear how long Ryan may have been lying dead in his home. 

Officers also confirmed that Ryan was known to police for what DCI Macleod described as "relatively low-level offending", and they would be looking into his known associations. 

READ MORE: Ryan Richardson: Shettleston murder investigation launched

Speaking a week after Ryan was discovered, police have said that many details surrounding his death remain unclear, and appealed to the 27-year-old's friends and associates to come forward and provide more information about his whereabouts in recent weeks. 

DCI Macleod said he believes that several people will have been in contact with the victim since his last confirmed sighting. 

He added: "At this stage it is not clear whether weapons have been involved or not and this is part of our ongoing investigation. I have been unable to establish how many assailants were involved.

"There has been a very limited response from the public in respect of information about Ryan's murder. And what is absolutely critical for me and my enquiry team is to really establish a timeline of Ryan's movements from the last time he was seen by his family until the time is body was discovery.

"Ryan habitually frequented the Shettleston Road area, Kilmany Drive, Glasgow city centre and the area around the Bellgrove Hotel. It is clear to me that in the time since he was last seen by his family until the time of his death he will have been in contact with various associates, either on phone or meeting in the street, or passing them in the street.

"No matter how insignificant you think that may be, every little piece of information in respect of Ryan's movements and associations any issues he was having are absolutely vital to me.

"Similarly we would also appeal to anyone who did not know Ryan and was in or  around the Kilmany drive and Shettleston Road area going back to the 27th who may have seen some form of disturbance or something they thought was not quite right or suspicious, to please come forward and tell my team about that."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team (WEST) via 101, quoting incident number 2061 of Friday 15 March 2019.

Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.

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