Man held in hunt for killer of barman

An 18-year-old man has been detained by police investigating the death of barman Stuart Walker.

Strathclyde Police confirmed the man was taken into custody on Thursday evening, less than a week after Mr Walker's body was discovered at an industrial estate in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that an 18-year-old man is currently detained in connection with this inquiry."

Mr Walker, 28, died after suffering what police describe as "horrible injuries". His body was discovered shortly before 5am on Saturday.

Detectives have not discussed specific injuries in case it was "prejudicial in the future", but reports have suggested Mr Walker, who was from the town, was beaten and burned before his death.

Officers said there was nothing to suggest Mr Walker had been the victim of a homophobic crime but were not ruling anything out as no clear motive had been established. They do not believe it was a random attack.

The barman's death sent shockwaves through the local community.

It emerged on Thursday that Mr Walker had been questioned over an alleged incident involving a 12-year-old boy in August and a report was sent to the procurator fiscal. Police said there did not appear to be any link between the claims and his murder.