Tributes pour in for ‘murdered' ex football starlet with staggering amount raised for funeral in just hours
Heartbroken pals have chipped in to give Josh Taplin "the send off he deserves'
HEARTS BROKEN Tributes pour in for 'murdered' ex football starlet with staggering amount raised for funeral in just hours
TRIBUTES have flooded in for a 'murdered' ex-footie starlet as hundreds donated to a fundraiser that's shot past £15,000 in just two hours.
Heartbroken pals have chipped in to give Josh Taplin "the send off he deserves' after he was found dead in a Glasgow home.
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Josh Taplin was found murdered on Monday as cops launched a hunt for his killer
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Cops at the scene of the tragic discovery in the city's Knightswood
Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow
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Police are still hunting a suspect in connection with the horror find.
Credit: Les Gallagher
Police confirmed they have launched a murder probe into his death and are now appealing for CCTV footage.
Meanwhile more than 250 people have already contributed towards the GoFundMe page set up by Josh's friend Stephen Kelly in the wake of the devastating loss.
And it's well on the way towards hitting the £24,000 target that's been set in tribute to the memory of the 28-year-old and to help his loved-ones.
Stephen wrote: 'Still early days from horrible news the day about Josh going to sort a whip round of funds for the family for his funeral take some pressure off the family at a traumatising time for them and all us.
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'Hope everyone can do their bit and we can do Josh boy proud and get him a send off he deserves.'
He added: 'Forever young - there's one one Josh Taplin loved and missed by everyone my hero my mate.'
We told earlier how cops have launched a murder hunt after Josh was found dead in a home.
He was discovered on Monday afternoon in the city's Knightswood fter concerns were raised for his welfare.
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His body was found at around 3.35pm within the house on Caldwell Avenue and detectives from the Major Investigation Team of Police Scotland were drafted in.
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Forensic specialists in white suits were seen going into the property to conduct a detailed examination of the crime scene.
Josh was a former footie starlet who played in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and was among a clutch of promising players at Chryston High School, near Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, who won the United Schools Cup in 2013.
He also played for the Accies at youth level and enjoyed success with Lanarkshire boys team at 2011 International Children's Games.
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Last night Accies club secretary Scott Struthers said when told of Josh's passing: 'Awful news.'
He was also a talented boxer who represented Auchengeich Boxing Club.
In a statement posted online the club said: 'We at Auchengeich Boxing are devastated at hearing the news of our boxer Josh Taplin.
'Josh won Western District Scottish Championships and British Championships.
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'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Josh's family.'
Heartbroken friends flooded social media with tributes after learning of the tragedy.
One pal wote: 'R.I.P Josh Taplin. Absolutely devastating for his family, friends and beautiful girlfriend.
'Hope you all get justice you deserve. The people in this world are so cruel. keep your loved ones close x.'
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Another shocked mate added: 'You'll be sadly missed Josh.
'You were a good lad. Rest in peace. Thoughts with family through this terrible time.'
Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie, of the Major Investigation Team, said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of Josh at what is a very difficult time. They are being supported by specialist officers.
'It is vital that we find answers for them and we are appealing for information as our enquiries continue.
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'If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could assist with our investigation then please get in touch, no matter how small that piece of information might be.
'In particular, I am asking people to check private CCTV footage and see if anything has been captured that could be important. Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam that could assist, please contact us.
'We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public. Officers remain in the area and anyone with concerns can speak to them.'
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