THE family of murdered Colin MacDonald have said they are "stuck in a nightmare" following his death.

Mr MacDonald was battered and left for dead four miles from his Airdrie home, making a second devastating blow for the family.

In June, the 59-year-old's ex-wife, Anne, lost her battle with cancer.

Mr MacDonald's death on Monday now leaves his two children, Jamie and Carol, without thier parents.

A family statement said: "Our dad, Colin Macdonald, was the best father we could have asked for.

"He was an amazing grandfather and an adored uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. 

"We feel like we are stuck in a nightmare that we can't wake up from and that just keeps getting worse.

"We're still trying to wrap our heads around what has happened to him and that he's been so cruelly taken from us.

"His murder has added to our already broken hearts and left a gap that nothing will be able to replace."

The statement went on: "We would like to thank family, friends, Police Scotland and the medical staff at Monklands Hospital for their overwhelming support and kindness. 

"We want justice for our dad, we know it won't bring him back but we're determined to do everything we can to ensure another family doesn't have to go through what we are just now."

Detectives are appealling for anyone with information - particularly in regard to a burnt out car found near the crime scene - to contact them.

Officers were called to Frew Street, in Airdrie, just after 12.30am on Monday after reports of a disturbance.

Mr MacDonald had been found seriously injured in Rankin Crescent, in Greengairs.

He died the next day in Monklands University Hospital.

Police said a burnt-out Vauxhall Astra was found on Forrest Road between Caldercruix and Kirk of Shotts around 4.30pm on Monday.

Officers are asking for anyone with information about the car to come forward. 

Those with information should call 101 quoting incident number 0074 of Monday, August 19.