Police are treating the death of a man found in a wooded area in Livingston as a murder

Police have confirmed that the death of a man in woodland in West Lothian last month is now being treated as a murder.

Gary Nicol was found with serious injuries on Bankton Lane in Livingston at around 2am on Thursday September 26th. An autopsy concluded that the death was “unexplained.”

After an investigation, officials said the circumstances surrounding the 50-year-old’s death were now being treated as murder.

Police believe Mr Nicol drove onto the road in his black Ford Mondeo, registration number GN02GRN, and arrived there around midnight.

Officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team continue to carry out extensive investigations, described as ‘complex investigations’.

The man’s family has been informed and has asked that their privacy be respected.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Nicol’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“It is important that we get answers to these questions and we are committed to finding the person responsible as quickly as possible.”

“Our investigation into Mr Nicol’s death is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has information and has not yet spoken to us to please do so.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a car of this description in the area around midnight, or from anyone or vehicles in and around the Bankton Lane area.

“We are trying to reconstruct Mr Nicol’s movements before his body is found and would urge anyone with information to contact officers.

“This is a challenging investigation and any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please pass it on.”

Local area commander Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr said: “We understand the significant impact this has had on the people of Livingston and there is a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation.”

“I would like to reassure the community that officers are working hard to locate the person responsible by collecting CCTV footage from the area and continuing door-to-door investigations.

“Extensive forensic work was carried out and extensive searches were carried out in the surrounding forests by specialist officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to come forward 101citing Incident No. 0278 of September 26, 2024.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where information can be provided anonymously.