Human remains found in burnt-out van in rural Ayrshire as detectives launch probe

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Detectives are appealing for information after human remains were found in a burnt-out van in Newmilns on Monday.Emergency services were called at around 12.05pm after reports of a vehicle on fire in a layby on a single-track road between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area - which is known locally as Bonk Belt or Mast Walk.The death is currently being treated as unexplained with enquiries at an early stage.

Formal identification has yet to take place. Detective Inspector Craig Gilmour said: “At this stage of our investigation, it is unclear why the van was parked in this layby or how it came to be on fire.

It is vital anyone with information comes forward. “The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it's thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time.“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midday on Monday and may have seen a white van parked in a layby, or a van on fire, to please get in touch.“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch."Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1615 of Monday, 24 June, 2024. Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter