Tributes have been paid to a ‘departing’ uncle who died in an incident outside Hamilton Community Centre.

The family of a man killed in an incident outside a Hamilton community center say they are left “devastated”.

Emergency services were called to Burnbank Center at around 3.50pm on Monday after reports two men had been injured.

William Copeland, from Rutherglen, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical crews. The 59-year-old man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old man in connection with William’s death and the attempted murder of a second man. He is due in court on Wednesday.

Mr Copeland’s younger sister, Aggie Smith, paid tribute to her 36-year-old brother.

She told STV News: “He was funny and outgoing.

“William always tried to be there for us. There are no words to describe how hard it is for us.

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“It’s absolutely devastating. He intended to change his life for the better, but he never got the chance.

“It’s really soul destroying. He would go out and play football with his nephews. William treated them like his own.”

Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to help give their beloved uncle the send-off he deserves.

It reads: “On behalf of William’s family, I have created this GoFundMe to relieve some of the stress for them.

“The family have had a tough time since they lost their younger brother William in 2022 and their mother in 2023.

“Times are tough for them, so I set up this fund to help raise some of his funeral costs so they don’t have to worry.

“Any donations will be greatly appreciated as it will really help his family during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, William Copeland; you will, unfortunately, miss you. Please help them give William the send-off he deserves.”

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns, from Lanarkshire CID, said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims as they try to come to terms with what happened.

“We will continue to increase our police presence in the area as we recognize that incidents such as these can be very upsetting and worrying for people living in the area. Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to these officers.”

Anyone with any information about the death or attempted murder should contact police by telephone. 101 and cite incident number 2095 of October 21, 2024.

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