Scottish Catholic Observer

Reamonn Gormley, 19, was the victim of an unprovoked attack on Tuesday night while walking home alone.  He died a short time later at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride.

Mr Gormley’s former headteacher at St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton, paid tribute to him as an outstanding young man and sportsman who was always the first to volunteer to help his school and community.

Eddie Morrison said Mr Gormley had climbed Ben Nevis in 2008 and took part in road races to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, The teenager left the school in 2009 with five Highers and is believed to have been on a gap year.

“He was an outstanding young man,” Mr Morrision said. “The whole school is in a state of shock and we are very saddened to learn of the loss of Reamonn  [who was] in every sense, a model pupil. Reamonn was the first to volunteer if there was any opportunity to contribute to the school or the wider community.”

In a statement, St Andrew’s Hospice, expressed their sincere condolences to Mr Gormley’s family, friends and his former school, adding ‘our thoughts are with all of them at this devastating time.’

Police want to trace two white men, aged between 20 and 25, in connection with Mr Gormley’s death. And have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

The first suspect was described as being of stocky build and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up and a scarf covering his face.

The second suspect was described as having a heavy build and was wearing a grey-coloured hooded top with the hood up and white trainers.

Det Ch Insp Robbie Allan, of Strathclyde Police said that Mr Gormley had been watching football with a friend in the Parkville Park on Tuesday evening.

“Shortly, before 11pm he was walking home alone along Glasgow Road, when he was involved in a completely unprovoked attack,” he said. “Glasgow Road is the main thoroughfare for pedestrians and vehicles. I would therefore appeal to anyone who was in Glasgow Road around 11pm last night and saw a disturbance take place or indeed recognises the descriptions of the suspects to please let me know.”

Information can passed to the incident room at Larkhall Police Office, on telephone number 01698 202328.  Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.