A77 death: what we know so far as Ayr man's identity revealed

Police yesterday (Friday, July 31) confirmed the identity of the man, as Michael Thomson. 

Officers launched a re-appeal for vital information as they continue to probe the death which they are treating as unexplained. 

On Tuesday, Ayr’s busiest road was shut down for several hours as detectives searched the scene near Dalmilling Golf Course for clues.

One week on here's what we know so far. 

Saturday, July 25: Road closed due to police incident

Emergency services raced to the scene between Holmston and Whitletts roundabouts around 6pm on Saturday evening as the A77 was shut down.

Traffic in both directions was diverted due to what was described as a police incident.

Sunday, July 26: Body of a 46-year-old man confirmed to be found

The body of a man was discovered by paramedics who attended the scene.

READ MORE: Body of 46-year-old man found on A77 layby near Ayr

Police confirm that a 46-year-old man had died suddenly within a car that was parked on a layby off the A77.

The death is treated as unexplained as enquiries continue.

Monday, July 27: Make and model of car revealed 

It is revealed that the man who died near the A77 on Saturday was seen parked there hours before paramedics discovered him.

Details emerge that the man was found in a blue Ford Fiesta, registration - LA56 HZN.

READ MORE: Man who died suddenly in car near Ayr was seen parked on A77 hours before

Officers investigating the death appeal for dash-cam footage from the public as they try to piece together the circumstances surrounding the 46-year-old's death.

Tuesday, July 28: A77 is closed as police return to the scene

Police close the A77 between the Holmston and Whitletts roundabout between 9.30am and 3.30pm with a diversion in place.

Traffic had to pass through Ayr with the closure resulting in delays as officers probed the scene.

The road reopened with the public thanked for their assistance.

The man’s death remains unexplained.

Friday, July 31: Man found dead inside car is named 

The indentity of the man who was found dead inside a parked car near the A77 was confirmed as Michael Thomson. 

The first picture of the 46-year-old was revealed by police.

Car traced to York Street prior to Michael's body being found

The car in which Michael Thomson's body was found was spotted in the York Street area around on Friday morning (July 24) and driven to the layby between midnight and 1am on Saturday, July 25. 

Detective Chief Inspector Alan McAlpine said: "Our enquiries have established the car may have been in the York Street area of Ayr from around 8am on Friday, July 24.

"From our initial CCTV review, we now know it was driven to the layby from an industrial unit in York Street between midnight and 1am on Saturday, July 25.

How you can help - Detectives still seeking information

Police are still looking for help from the public as they continue to probe the death of Michael Thomson. 

They are asking anyone with dash-cam footage or who had seen the blue Ford Fiesta to get in touch. 

Detective Inspector Nathan Calderwood of Ayrshire CID said:"We are grateful to everyone who has already made contact with police with information.

"We are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances and would urge anyone who may have seen Mr Thomson or this car at any time on Friday 24 and Saturday, 25 July to contact us".

"Anyone who used the A77 between the Holmston and Whitletts roundabouts and may have dashcam footage is asked to review this and pass on anything which may be of note"

"Anyone who may have seen Mr Thomson, the vehicle or who has any other information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 3125 of July 25.”