Death Of Man At Hostel ‘Suspicious’

Police are treating as suspicious the death of a man who had been living at a notorious homeless hostel as suspicious.

Robert McFadyen, 29, was found with serious head injuries in a garden in Westmoreland Street, Govanhill, just yards from the Parkview Hotel, shortly before 10am on Monday.

He had plunged 30ft from a tenement window and was taken to the Victoria Infirmary, where he later died. Police are now investigating the circumstances.

Local politicians, who have campaigned for the closure of Parkview and other hostels in the area due largely to their effect on crime and anti-social behaviour, say the death again calls into question the viability of housing dozens of homeless people in such a compact area.

Cathcart MSP Charlie Gordon said: “My heart goes out to this poor man’s family and the anguish they must be feeling. But, without knowing much about him and I don’t know the circumstances of his death, there are issues around this.

“Firstly, the police have already said publicly that this hostel is a hotbed of crime. And secondly I suspect this poor man may not have come from Glasgow and questions may have to be asked as to when the last time he had any support from social workers was.”

Local MP Tom Harris added: “This is a terrible tragedy, whatever this man’s circumstances. But questions must be asked whether he was getting the help he needed and whether the type of accommodation which belongs in the 1960s or 1970s was suitable for Mr McFadyen.”

Detective Inspector William Coyle said: “We are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding Robert’s death and I am keen to speak to anyone who can assist my inquiries.”