Ex-football starlet 'stabbed' to death in Glasgow home
Josh Taplin was found dead inside a house in the city's Knightswood area on Monday, May 5.
Police received a report of a concern for a person at a property on Caldwell Avenue.
Officers were alerted to the incident at around 3.35pm. After that, emergency crews flocked to the scene.
However, on arrival, tragically, the body of a man was found inside the property.
Police and forensics at the scene on Wednesday, May 7 (Image: Newsquest) The man was later named as 28-year-old Josh. It is understood that the young lad was stabbed.
Detectives from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team have since launched an urgent murder inquiry into the youngster's death, with the hunt for a killer underway.
However, it has since emerged that a 41-year-old woman was also found with injuries in the Caldwell Avenue area amid the incident.
She was rushed to hospital for treatment, however, she was later released.
It is understood that the woman was injured inside the same property where Josh was found.
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Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for the 'murdered' ex-football player.
One person wrote: 'R.I.P. Josh Taplin.
"Absolutely devastating for his family, friends and beautiful girlfriend.
"I hope you all get the justice you deserve.
"The world can be so cruel. Keep your loved ones close.'
Another added: 'You'll be sadly missed, Josh. You were a good lad. Rest in peace.
"Thoughts are with your family through this terrible time.'
A GoFundMe page has also been set up by one of Josh's pals, Stephen Kelly, to help his family with funeral costs.
The fundraiser has since raised more than £25,000 for Josh's family.
Police on Wednesday (Image: Newsquest) It read: "Hi, my name is Stephen, still early days from the horrible news about Josh.
"Going to sort a whip-around of funds for the family for his funeral, take some pressure off the family at a traumatising time for them and all of us.
"Hope everyone can do their bit and we can do Josh boy proud and get him a send off he deserves.
"Gutted doesn't cut it, hope you are all alright as well. Heartbreaking.
"Forever young.
"There's one Josh Taplin, loved and missed by everyone, my hero, my mate."
Police on Wednesday (Image: Newsquest) It is understood that the 28-year-old was a former rising football star, having previously played in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and excelling at Chryston High School in Chryston, North Lanarkshire, where he helped win the United Schools Cup in 2013.
Josh was also a talented boxer at Auchengeich Boxing Club in Stepps. In a touching tribute, the club said: 'We at Auchengeich Boxing are devastated by the news of our boxer Josh Taplin.
"Josh won both the Western District Scottish Championships and the British Championships.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.'
Police and forensics at the scene on Wednesday, May 7 (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, in pictures captured by the Glasgow Times on Wednesday, May 7, forensics were spotted combing the scene for evidence.
Uniformed cops could also be seen standing guard on the street while the probe into Josh's death continued.
A large police cordon around several homes in the area, which was erected on Monday afternoon, remains in place as well.
Josh Taplin (Image: Police Scotland) An eyewitness previously told the Glasgow Times that the road had been closed since 4pm on Monday after police were alerted to the incident.
They said: "One house was taped off, but later the whole section of the street was taped off.
"The road was blocked by police cars and barriers."
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Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie, of the Major Investigation Team, said it is 'vital' that they find out what happened.
The top cop 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.
'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.'
Cops pictured outside the property on Tuesday, May 6 (Image: Newsquest) A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2069 of Monday, May 5, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has also been set up, and information can be passed anonymously on the following link - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT25S21-PO1."
READ MORE: Murder probe after young man found dead in Glasgow home
Police at the scene on Tuesday, May 6 (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, confirming a woman was found injured in the area following the incident, the force spokesperson added: 'A 41-year-old woman was found with injuries in the Caldwell Avenue area of Glasgow and was taken to hospital .
"She was later released following treatment.'
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