Police are now treating the death of 72-year-old Malky Ballantyne as murder.

The body of Malcolm 'Malky' Ballantyne was found by a member of his family around 1.10pm on Friday (August 21) at his home in Glebe Place.

Mr Ballantyne was a well-known character in the Three Towns and was said to routinely socialise in various pubs in Stevenston on a daily basis – generally in the morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham, Major Investigation Team, who is leading the enquiry said: “A post mortem is to take place to establish the exact cause of Mr Ballantyne’s death but we are treating it as suspicious at this time.

“Malky was found yesterday by a family member who is obviously distraught at what has happened.

“We are keen to find out if anyone saw Malky between 1000 hours on Thursday 20 August and 1300 hours on Friday 21 August. "Did you see him in Stevenston earlier on Thursday or Friday?

"Or did anyone hear or see something out of the ordinary at his home in Saltcoats between those times?

“Officers are currently carrying out door to door enquiries in Saltcoats and Stevenson and are checking CCTV as well as speaking to family and friends to establish just what happened and why.

“There are also extra uniformed patrols in the area.

"Please speak to these officers if you have any concerns or information.” Any information that will assist officers with their enquiry can be passed to officers at Saltcoats Police Office via 101 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.