THE devastated children of Airdrie murder victim Colin MacDonald lost their mother just two months ago.

The family's double tragedy was revealed by The Daily Record as murder cops step up their hunt for their father's killer. 

We previously reported that officers were called to a report that a man had been forced into a dark-coloured car following a disturbance at a house in Frew Street, Airdrie, at around 12.30am on Monday.

Mr MacDonald, 59, who lived at the house, was found seriously injured a short time later on Rankin Crescent in nearby Greengairs.

He was taken to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, where he died on Tuesday afternoon.

Now it has been revealed that the mother of his three adult children Anne lost her cancer fight in June. 

Colin’s youngest son Jamie said on Facebook: “Today has been one of the hardest days for my family. I appreciate all the warm words and messages.

“Like anything, there’s a lot of misinformation going about.

“I’d love nothing more than to go on a huge rant but I can’t and I won’t. All I’ll say is it says a lot about people when they see others going through the worst of times but decide to try and make things harder.

“This world has its fair share of evil, hateful people and I refuse to feed into that. Instead, I ask that you all just take a wee moment to appreciate who you have because in such a short space of time, you can lose so much.”

Police said they believe it was a targeted attack and it appears Mr MacDonald was the intended victim.

A burnt-out Vauxhall Astra was recovered by police between Caldercruix and Kirk of Shotts at around 4.30pm on Monday and officers are working to establish whether it is linked to the incident.

READ MORE: Police name Airdrie murder victim

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Sommerville, from the Major Investigation Team, said: "We believe this is a targeted attack. It would appear the 59-year-old man was the intended victim but the motive is still unknown.

"I would reiterate my appeal for anyone who was in the area of Frew Street, Airdrie, and Rankin Crescent, Greengairs, between midnight and 1.30am on Monday morning to speak to us if they have any information that may assist the inquiry.

"From our inquiries so far we know a small dark-colored car was seen at both locations.

"In addition to this, a burnt-out Vauxhall Astra was recovered by police on Forrest Road between Caldercruix and Kirk of Shotts around 4.30pm on Monday.

"It's still to be established if the car is linked to this investigation but if anyone drove past the burnt-out car in that area and saw anyone there, or has any relevant information, please contact us.

"No matter how insignificant it may seem, let us decide if it is relevant or not."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0074 of Monday August 19.