MURDER hunt detectives searching for the killer of Greenock man Michael Mearns say they want to trace three teenage boys.

The youths — aged between 13 and 16 — were seen leaving the Spar shop in Greenock’s South Street at around 7.50pm on 30 July, the night 56-year-old Mr Mearns was found dying in nearby Greenock Cemetery.

Police say the boys were seen walking past the gates to the cemetery and last visible on Orangefield Lane.

The first youth is white with short dark hair, of medium build, and he was wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and a blue jumper with a light coloured collar underneath.

The second is white with short dark hair, of slim build, and he was wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers, dark jumper with a light coloured collar underneath and black shoes or trainers.

The third teen is described as white with short dark hair and of slim build.

He was wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers, blue jumper and black shoes/trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura McLuckie from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Again I would like to thank the public for their help and support over the last couple of weeks.

“It is of great importance that we trace the three teenage boys who were seen in the vicinity on the night that Mr Mearns was assaulted within the cemetery.

“I urge them to contact police immediately even if they think they have no valuable information to give.” * Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.