Tributes to boxer, 28, found murdered in home in Glasgow

Tributes have been paid to a boxer described as “one in a million” after he was found murdered in a home in Glasgow on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the property on Caldwell Avenue in the Knightswood area of the city at around 3.35pm on Monday following reports of concern for a person.

Josh Taplin, 28, was discovered dead inside.

Detectives are treating his death as murder and major enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident.

His partner posted on social media pictures of the two together with the caption: “I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”

Tributes have also been paid to the amateur boxer, who won the Western District Scottish Championships and British Championships.

Auchengeich Boxing said on Facebook: “We at Auchengeich Boxing are devastated at hearing the news of our boxer Josh Taplin.

“Josh won Western District Scottish Championships and British Championships. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Josh’s family.”

He had also played in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and a tribute was paid by amateur Glasgow club AFC Chryston.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family with funeral costs, with over £16,000 raised in less than 24 hours.

The post on the page reads: “Hi my name is Stephen still early days from horrible news the day about Josh going to sort a whip around of funds for the family for his funeral take some pressure off the family at a traumatising time for the them and all us.

“I hope everyone can do their bit and we can do Josh boy proud and get him a send off he deserves.

“Gutted doesn’t cut it hope you are all alright as well its heart-breaking.

“There’s one Josh Taplin loved and missed by everyone, my hero, my mate.”

Writing on social media, one person said: “So sad, a diamond of a guy. We got the pleasure to spend a few days with you and the memories will live on.”

Another wrote: “Can’t believe it man, you were one of my best mates Josh,you were genuinely a one in a million, rest easy brother taken far too soon.”

Detective chief inspector Graham McCreadie, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Josh at what is a very difficult time. They are being supported by specialist officers.

“It is vital that we find answers for them and we are appealing for information as our enquiries continue.

“If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could assist with our investigation then please get in touch, no matter how small that piece of information might be.

“In particular, I am asking people to check private CCTV footage and see if anything has been captured that could be important. Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam that could assist, please contact us.

“We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public. Officers remain in the area and anyone with concerns can speak to them.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2069 of Monday, May 5.

People wishing to remain anonymous can call 0800 555 111.

A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has also been set up and information can be passed anonymously on the following link – https://orlo.uk/Vz7aQ