Murder inquiry: Pedestrian dies after two men mowed down by motorist

A pedestrian has died after he and a friend were deliberately mowed down in a late night road crash.

The 23-year-old, named locally as Frank Baxter, was killed when they were targeted by a motorist who ran over them in North Lanarkshire.

Emergency services were called to respond to the incident at 11pm on Tuesday in Crindledyke Crescent, Newmains, in Wishaw.

They were taken by ambulance to Wishaw General Hospital but Mr Baxter died a short time later. A murder inquiry has now been launched by Strathclyde Police.

The dead man's 31-year-old friend was taken to Monklands District General Hospital where he is being treated for leg injuries. Hospital staff describe his condition as stable.

The vehicle, a blue pick-up/tipper, also crashed into a house causing damage to brick work. No one at the property was injured. The vehicle was later found on fire a short distance from the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Pat Campbell, of Motherwell CID, said: "The pick-up truck was deliberately driven at the man and his friend in Crindledyke Crescent last night. It was then driven at speed into Bonkle Road, Wishaw, a short distance away, where it was set alight.

"He then either made off on foot from there or may have been picked up by another vehicle. Officers are at the scene carrying our door to door enquiries and checking CCTV.

"Additional officers are in the area and I would ask that anyone who has information, no matter how trivial it may seem, to contact the incident room which has been set up at Wishaw Police Office on 01698 202600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence."

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