Police Scotland has launched a double murder investigation after Paul Lafferty, 50, and Gary Beaton, 54, were found dead in a flat on Chancellor Street in Partick, Glasgow, at around 16:40 on Sunday 16 August 2026. Post-mortem examinations carried out on Monday and Tuesday confirmed that both men had been murdered, prompting detectives to formally reclassify the case.
Our earlier coverage reported that the deaths were initially treated as unexplained while forensic teams remained at the scene, before the post-mortem results led officers to open a murder inquiry.
According to STV, detectives now believe Lafferty and Beaton were stabbed to death, and officers are continuing to search for the weapon used in the attack. The flat is located near Byres Road and Dowanhill Road, and a police cordon has remained in place throughout the forensic examination of the property, according to reporting from a national tabloid and STV.
What are police doing to find those responsible?
Officers have reviewed hours of both public and private CCTV footage while continuing door-to-door enquiries in the Partick area. Police Scotland has confirmed a substantial police presence will remain in the neighbourhood while the investigation continues.
Detective Superintendent Cheryl Kelly, of the force's Major Investigations Team, appealed directly for information from the public.
I am appealing directly to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they feel it may be, to come forward and speak to us.
Please do not assume that the police already know the information you have.
We are keen to hear from anyone who knew Paul and Gary or who was in the Partick area near to Chancellor Street from Friday morning from 09:00, who saw Paul or Gary, or saw or heard anything suspicious.
Superintendent Craig Brady offered condolences to those affected by the deaths.
I would like to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Paul and Gary as they try to come to terms with their loss.
We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
How are the families involved being supported?
Police Scotland has said that the families of both men are aware of the murder investigation and that support is being provided to them, according to a statement from Police Scotland.
What happens next?
Officers will continue to be stationed in the Chancellor Street area while enquiries progress, and a major incident public portal has been launched to allow people to submit information directly. Police Scotland has asked anyone with relevant details to quote incident number 1386 of Sunday 16 August 2026 when getting in touch, and enquiries including CCTV analysis and door-to-door interviews are expected to continue in the coming days.
Key Facts
- Paul Lafferty, 50, and Gary Beaton, 54, were found dead in a Chancellor Street flat in Partick, Glasgow, at about 16:40 on Sunday 16 August 2026.
- Post-mortem examinations on Monday and Tuesday confirmed both deaths were murder.
- Detectives believe the men were stabbed and are searching for the weapon used.
- Police are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting door-to-door enquiries in the area.
- The public can share information via incident number 1386 of Sunday 16 August 2026 or the major incident portal.
