TRIBUTES have been paid to a tragic Greenock dad who was brutally murdered in a targeted attack.

Chris Nicol, 27, was found dead within a property in Maple Road after being stabbed in the neck on Thursday night.

Police raced to the scene after reports of a disturbance at around 9.15pm and a probe into the killing continued all day on Friday as the street was taped off.

Detectives from the Major Investigation Team (MIT) are continuing to probe the murder and have described it as a 'targeted attack'

Christopher Martin-Dominick today paid tribute to his close friend and told the Telegraph how he had spoken to him earlier the night before he died.

Christopher said he had known Mr Nicol since they were in primary school together.

He told the Telegraph: "He was a great guy, a lovely person. He was someone who always put his kids first, they came before anything else for Chris.

"I had known him since primary school, so basically grew up with him.

"I’m absolutely devastated about what’s happened. It is so cruel that someone could do that to another human being.

"The sickest thing about it, is the person responsible did this right in front of his kids.

"I can’t imagine how they feel just now. It must be horrendous for the whole family."

Another friend Annemarie McKinnon looked after Chris' children while someone tried in vain to resuscitate him.

She said: "I can't get the picture of his body lying there out my mind.

"It is heartbreaking. A total shock."

Other tributes were posted to the much-loved father online by devastated friends.

Helen Moore posted: "It's heartbreaking, just so sad."

Tracyann Macphail said: "He was such a nice young guy. My thoughts go out to his kids, family and friends."

Police say Mr Nicol suffered serious stab wounds and died at the scene. They have issued a description of the man they are now looking for in connection with his death.

The suspect is aged between 20 to 30-years-old with short dark hair and rough facial hair. His top and bottom front teeth are also missing.

He was wearing a black Timberland beanie hat, black jumper and black jeans.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus said: "We're appealing for anyone who saw a man fitting this description either before or after the incident to contact us.

"Similarly, if anyone has any relevant information about this incident that could help our investigation, please speak to us.

"We believe this was a targeted attack and our enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3888 of 26 September 2019 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.