AN ex-footie starlet was brutally stabbed to death in his own home – with a 41-year-old woman also injured in the horror.
Gas engineer Josh Taplin, 28, was found bleeding to death in his living room after the targeted assault on Monday afternoon.
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Ex-footie starlet Josh Taplin was found dead at his home in Knightswood on Monday
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Cops have launched a man hunt following his murderCredit: John Kirkby
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Neighbours reported hearing screams from his home on the night of his murderCredit: John Kirkby
A 41-year-old woman caught up in the slaughter was also found with injuries outside the well-kept house on Caldwell Avenue in Knightswood, Glasgow.
Screams were heard from the property and neighbours raced to try to save Josh, who played in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and was also a boxer in his teens.
Police Scotland launched a murder inquiry into the horrific death and said it was an ‘isolated incident with no threat to the wider public.
A local said: “We heard screams which was really unusual as this is a very quiet area.
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“One of the neighbours ran into the home to try to help but it was too late.
“Josh had been stabbed and had no chance.
“There were people screaming and a woman who was outside the home was shouting ‘is Josh in there?’ But police wouldn’t let her in to find out.
“It was horrendous.”
Earlier today, girlfriend Toni Stewart, 23, paid tribute to tragic Josh and said he was the ‘best thing to happen to her.’
Sharing a picture of the loved-up pair together, she said: ‘I’ll love you for the rest of my life.
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‘He was the best thing that ever happened to me
‘I’ll love him till the day I die.’
A source added: “The killer was known to Josh. It’s sickening.
“Josh was a thoroughly decent guy from a nice family. It’s just horrendous what’s happened.”
Josh’s body was found at around 3.35pm within the house and detectives from the Major Investigation Team of Police Scotland were drafted in.
Forensic specialists in white suits were seen going into the property to conduct a detailed examination of the crime scene.
Josh was a former player in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and was among a clutch of promising players at Chryston High School, near Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, who won the United Schools Cup in 2013.
He also played for the Accies at youth level and enjoyed success with the Lanarkshire boys team at 2011 International Children’s Games.
Last night Accies club secretary Scott Struthers said when told of Josh’s passing: “Awful news.”
He was also a talented boxer who represented Auchengeich Boxing Club.
In a statement posted online the club said: “We at Auchengeich Boxing are devastated at hearing the news of our boxer Josh Taplin.”
Meanwhile, heartbroken pals have chipped in to give Josh Taplin “the send off he deserves.
Hundreds of people have already contributed towards the GoFundMe page set up by Josh’s friend Stephen Kelly in the wake of the devastating loss.
And it’s well on the way towards hitting the £24,000 target that’s been set in tribute.
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.
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“Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam that could assist, please contact us.”
A spokesperson added: “A 41-year-old woman was found with injuries in the Caldwell Avenue area of Glasgow and was taken to hospital. She was later released following treatment.”