The son of a pensioner who was killed trying to stop his car being stolen has said the tragedy devastated the family and left his mother feeling that she no longer wants to live.
James Simpson, 76, was run down after spotting someone trying to take his Land Rover Discovery at around 8.10pm on Tuesday in Graham Place, Ashgill, near Larkhall, South Lanarkshire. Mr Simpson, who was at home with his wife, had gone out to try to protect his property and was hit by the car.
His son, Jamie Simpson, 39, has made an appeal for information to help catch his father's killer.
He said: "Five days ago my dad was a man deeply content with his life that he worked hard to build. He and my mum were living every day to its maximum, even though they are both in their 70s.
"Both my parents never took or stole anything, all they wanted was to work hard, be happy themselves and with those around them. If you asked anyone what my dad was like, they would tell you he would laugh and joke with everyone, he just loved life."
He added: "One day ago I saw my father lying on a cold table, blood on his face, and now I have to watch my mother suffer from flashbacks of what she witnessed that day, breaking into uncontrollable fits, and listen every day as my mother tells me she no longer wants to live any more.
"These individuals thought it was their right to break into my parents' home, take the car keys and steal the car, and when my father ran to defend the property he worked hard for, these individuals also felt it was their right to run over my father, leaving my dad abandoned, dying on the kerb.
"Please, if there is any information you have that would help in this investigation, no matter how small or insignificant it may be, please come forward as soon as you can."
Mr Simpson's black 57-plate Discovery was later recovered intact around five miles away in Crossford, Strathclyde Police said.
Detective Superintendent Robbie Allan, of Strathclyde Police, said officers remain confident they will bring those responsible to justice.