Police are appealing for witnesses after after a man's burned body was found at the side of the road in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Stuart Walker, 28, was found dead just before 05:00 on Saturday morning having suffered "horrible injuries".

Strathclyde police are looking into reports that he was targeted because of his sexuality.

It has been reported that Walker, who was gay, was attacked and burned after being tied to a lamppost.

Detective Inspector John Hogg, from Ayr CID, said: "Stuart had been out with friends in the Cumnock area earlier during the night and was last seen alive by a family friend near to the fire station in Glaisnock Street around 2.30am hours on Saturday morning - nearly two and a half hours before he was found.

"At this time we do not know if these parties are linked to our investigation or not, so again, any information on that is important.

"Officers are checking CCTV and carrying out door to door in the area and we would encourage anyone with information to approach them or to call Ayr Police Office."