COPS are closing in on a maniac who stabbed a footie starlet to death before throttling a woman in a bloodbath rampage.
Josh Taplin, 28, was found bleeding to death in his living room after being knifed by someone he knew.
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The net is closing in on Josh Taplin’s killer, it is understoodCredit: John Kirkby
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Detectives have reportedly identified the culpritCredit: John Kirkby
Neighbours said a 41-year-old woman was seen screaming in the street with a ligature around her neck after the attempted strangulation in the same incident.
She was taken to hospital for treatment and later released but gas engineer Josh could not be saved after Monday afternoon’s horror assault in Knightswood, Glasgow.
It’s understood that detectives have identified the culprit, and the net is closing on the killer.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We are following a positive line of enquiry.”
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A local source said: “The killer was known to Josh.
“It’s sickening. He was a thoroughly decent guy from a nice family.”
Police are supporting the ex-Hamilton Accies youth star’s loved ones.
They appealed for CCTV and dashcam footage.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Josh at a very difficult time. It is vital we find answers for them.”
Josh’s girlfriend Toni Stewart, 23, shared a picture of the couple online.
Police Scotland launch inquiry into Knightswood death as forensics enter house
In a touching tribute, she wrote: “He was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll love him till the day I die.”
Well-wishers had last night raised more than £20,000 for his family in an online appeal.
Josh previously won the United Schools Cup with team-mates at Chryston High, in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.
He was also a talented boxer.
Accies secretary Scott Struthers said: “Awful news.”
Auchengeich Boxing Club, in Stepps, Glasgow, said: “We are devastated.”