Detectives probing the murder of a notorious gangster whose bones were found in a remote woodland have widened their search for the killer.

Martin Hamilton's remains were found by a dog walker earlier in December close to the B7015 near West Calder, in West Lothian.

After two weeks carrying out investigations at the scene, police have now moved their inquiries to the nearby town of Blackburn.

A post-mortem investigation has been carried out which established that the 53-year-old Glasgow gangland figure died as a result of serious injuries.

On Tuesday, Police Scotland announced the death was being treated as murder and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Officers believe he may have been murdered as far back as April.

A £2000 reward had been offered for information on Hamilton, known as the "Blackhill Butcher", after he was released from prison on licence in September 2014. He was described as "dangerous" and was wanted on a revocation of licence warrant.

Detectives investigating the murder of Hamilton are focusing their inquiries on the last sighting of him in April 2015.

He was last seen about lunchtime on Thursday April 16 in Great Western Road in Glasgow. Enquiries carried out so far indicate he may have died a short time after that.

Police had spent months searching for him without success. Hamilton was jailed in 2000 for ordering the kidnap and torture of victims in the Edinburgh drug scene.

One of his associates had tried to cut a man's finger off with a knife and an attempt was made to gouge a man's eye out with a spoon. He was further convicted of several drug dealing offences.

Forensic officers remain at the scene of the discovery in West Lothian and police say officers are supporting Hamilton's family.

Detective superintendent Kenny Graham said: "Whilst examinations and searches are ongoing near West Calder where Martin Hamilton's remains were found, we are now conducting further work in nearby Blackburn.

"As the investigation has progressed we have identified this area of Blackburn as of interest, and I am keen to speak to anyone living or working here who may have any information which could assist.

"As well as some search activity, officers will be carrying out extensive house-to-house inquiries and high-visibility patrols of the area."