Detectives at Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams have been carrying out significant enquiries following the discovery of the body of a man within a car which was on fire in Blantyre on Monday 11 February.
The identity of the man found within the car can now be confirmed as Rafal Michal Lyko (36) who is a Polish national who resided in Poland. His family have been informed.
Rafal was in Scotland to visit family of his who reside in the Tayside area.
Extensive enquiries are underway to establish why Rafal was later found dead in Blantyre and to try to piece together his last known movements. Detectives have been accessing public and private space CCTV to assist with their enquiries and are speaking to residents in the East Kilbride and Blantyre areas.
Detective Chief Inspector David Scott, senior investigating officer, said:
“We have had a good response from the public following our appeal yesterday and I would like to thank those who have come forward with information so far.
“Now we have identified Rafal as being the man in the car we are now trying to put together his last known movements and try to ascertain why he was in the South Lanarkshire area.
“We can also confirm that specially trained officers are providing Rafal’s family support at this very difficult time.
“What we do know is that Rafal travelled from his home in Poland to Tayside via Edinburgh Airport on Saturday 9 February to stay with relatives. On Monday 11 February, he travelled to South Lanarkshire.
“We believe he was in the Blairbeth area of Rutherglen as was the stolen black Mercedes GLE vehicle involved shortly before it was found on fire with Rafal within on the evening of Monday 11 February.
“I am continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen that Mercedes GLE or who knows Rafal and where he was during the day on Monday 11 February to contact police.
“His family have been left devastated by their loss. Rafal had a young son with his partner in Poland and we need to get answers for his family and establish how this young man lost his life.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers where information can passed in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
