Man charged after Scot 'stabbed to death' outside Hamilton community centre

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A man has been charged after a Scot was allegedly stabbed to death outside a community centre in Hamilton.

William Copeland, 36, died on Burnbank Centre in the South Lanarkshire town, on Monday afternoon. Ambulance crew attended and a 59-year-old man was also rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Officers have now confirmed that a 56-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday. Surrounding roads have now been reopened but a strong police presence will remain in the area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 56-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man and the attempted murder of another man in Hamilton. William Copeland, 36, and a 59-year-old man were found with serious injuries within the Burnbank Centre area of the town around 3.50pm on Monday, October 21 2024.

"William Copeland died at the scene and the 59-year-old man was taken to hospital by ambulance. The 56-year-old man is due at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 23 October 2024 and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. All road closures and restricted access to shops in the area have been lifted although a strong police presence will remain in the area."

It’s understood a disturbance took place on the street outside moments before the tragedy. It came just shortly after the area was busy with young children leaving primary school.

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns at Lanarkshire CID said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those concerned as they try to come to terms with what has happened. We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area as we understand that this type of incident could be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community. Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to these officers.”

Anyone with any information should contact police via 101 and quote incident number 2095 of October 21, 2024.

Following his death, tributes flooded in online.

One person, thought to be a relative wrote: “RIP William Copeland” alongside an image which stated: “Can I ask why the world is cruel”.

Another person said: "It's so sad. Wullie was a good boy. It's a shame what that family's been through lately."

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