A HEARTBROKEN mum whose son was murdered in an East Renfrewshire street has issued a plea for help to catch his killer.

Phyllis Ferns urged anyone with information to come forward as she marked the first anniversary of the death of her 33-year-old son Tony.

She is hoping her plea will help to provide the police with the breakthrough needed to bring his murderer to justice.

Mrs Ferns, who could only watch helplessly as her son died in front of her after being brutally stabbed, said: "I can hardly put into words how devastated I am at the loss of my son.

"The pain I feel is unimaginable and, while I know nothing will bring him back, I need to know who killed him and why his life was cut short.”

Mr Ferns was sitting in his car – an Audi A3 – in Crebar Street, Thornliebank, on Thursday, April 18, last year when a man approached him and launched a vicious assault.

Despite his injuries, Mr Ferns managed to make it home to nearby Roukenburn Street, where paramedics fought to save his life.

However, their attempts were in vain and he died with his mother watching on.

A murder inquiry was immediately launched and, to date, more than 600 people have been spoken to as part of the investigation, with more than 100 house-to-house enquiries carried out.

Officers have also examined thousands of hours of CCTV footage and a stop-and-interview operation was carried out a week on from the murder.

On May 22 last year, four men – aged 33, 44, 49 and 63 – were arrested in connection with the death.

All four were later released pending further inquiries.

Mrs Ferns said: “I am pleading with anyone who may have information about whoever is responsible for my son’s murder to please speak to the police.”

A year on from the murder, police say they remain committed to finding answers for Mr Ferns' family and friends.

Detective Chief Inspector Grant MacLeod told the Barrhead News: “Despite the passage of time, I am determined to find whoever is responsible for Tony’s murder.

"It’s clear he was a much-loved son and partner and is deeply missed by his family.

“I am convinced there are people out there who have information vital to this investigation who have failed to come forward. This may be down to fear or some misplaced loyalty to those responsible for this horrific crime but please do the right thing and contact us.

"You can be assured your information will be treated in the utmost confidence.

“Phyllis had to watch her son suffer and die – something no mother should have to go through. Put yourself in her shoes and think how she must feel. Does she not deserve to know why her son was murdered and taken from her?

"Please help us find answers for a mother who deserves to know the truth.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101, quoting incident number 4,732 of April 18, 2019. Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.