ONE week to the day since 72-year-old Malcky Ballantyne was found dead in his own home in Saltcoats, police officers have returned to the scene to appeal for witnesses.

DCI Gary Cunningham who is leading the investigation gave an update on its progress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9L8fZTxz1s A £10,000 reward has been offered to anyone that provides information that secures the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Malcky's murder.

Mr Ballantyne was found dead in his home by his daughter in Glebe Place around 1.10pm on Friday, August 21.

Officers have been talking to locals today in an attempt to jog their memories and gain new information about the circumstances surrounding Mr Ballantyne’s death.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham of the Major Investigation Team said: “It has now been a week since Mr Ballantyne was brutally murdered in his own home and at this time we have nothing to suggest a particular motive for the attack.

“A team of highly experienced officers from the Major Investigation Team are continuing their enquiries in the area as well as working with other uniformed and specialist staff from across Police Scotland.

“I am confident that the answers to what happened to Mr Ballantyne lie within the local community and it is vitally important that anyone with information contacts us immediately.

“Mr Ballantyne was an upstanding member of the community and his family as well as those who knew him have been left completely devastated by this horrendous crime.

“They deserve to know who is responsible for his death and why.

“If you were near Glebe Place in the hours running up to when Mr Ballantyne was discovered and saw anything suspicious or if you have any information about his death please get in touch with officers.

“We are also still trying to establish the movements of Mr Ballantyne on the day before he was murdered and want to speak to everyone that was in his company on Thursday 20 August.

“You may think what you know is insignificant but let us be the judge of that as no matter how minor your information is it could be that critical piece that helps lead us to whoever is responsible.

A dedicated telephone line has been set up for anyone with information about Mr Ballantyne’s death.

Anyone with information can call officers on 01563 505172 or text 07437 942153.

Alternatively call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where all calls will be kept anonymous.