THE heartbroken sister of Greenock murder victim Stephen McGowan has spoken of her agony at the killing of her brother at the weekend.

Stephen, 23, was found seriously injured in a close in Tobago Street in the early hours of Sunday.

Although emergency crews rushed to the scene they could not save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police launched a murder inquiry in a bid to catch the killer after sealing off several town centre streets to search for evidence.

Yesterday, distraught Claire McGowan, 21, took to the Tele Facebook page to speak about her anguish after the tragedy.

She said: “My poor brother.

“Words cannot describe the pain, hurt and anger.” Her comment came on a thread of tributes paid to Stephen, a dad-of-two.

Friend Michael McCairn posted: “It’s the worst news you can wake up to.

“R.I.P Stephen can’t believe it mate.” Other readers were quick to offer their condolences to Stephen’s grieving loved ones.

One of the posters, Lorraine Young, said: “Thoughts are with your family at such a horrible time for you all.” Another reader, Ann Marie Campbell, added: “Such sad news. Thinking of all the friends and families.” Police had initially described the incident as a ‘suspicious death’ but declared it a murder hunt following a post-mortem.

A number of streets were closed off to the public on Sunday, including Sir Michael Street, Buccleugh Street and Sir Michael Place.

Part of Lynedoch Street was also cordoned off in a move connected to the investigation.

Tobago Street remained closed yesterday before the cordon was eventually lifted.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Jim Smith, from the Major Investigation Team, has described the early public response to the inquiry as ‘excellent’.

But he has also called on anyone who was in the James Watt Bar, the Waterline Bar or Red Nightclub in Cathcart Street at around 3.20am on Sunday to get in touch.

DCI Smith said: “In particular I am anxious to trace and speak to a man who was seen waiting for a taxi in Cathcart Street at this time.

“He was wearing dark trousers and training shoes and had his top off.

“This man may be able to provide vital information that could assist our enquiries and we urge him or anyone who recognises him to contact police immediately on 101, or alternatively through CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”