Man (30) arrested over death of Russian immigrant in Burnbank

Jan 13 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A YOUNG Russian immigrant who was planning on getting married was yesterday (Wednesday) found dead in a Burnbank home.

Police cordoned off a Hill Street home after 25-year-old Daniel Ivanov - who was born in Russia but is believed to have lived for a time in Estonia -

after the 25-year-old’s body was discovered in the early hours of the morning.

At around 2.30am, officers were called to a report that a man had been seriously injured in a house.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said that emergency services attended but the man died at the scene.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Daniel’s death.

Residents in Hill Street described the dead man as “very friendly” and “highly regarded”.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said that everyone was shocked by his death.

“Daniel was a nice, quiet guy,” he said. “He was well liked in ‘the jungle’.

“I didn’t hear or see police last night, and the first I knew about it was when I walked up the street this afternoon.

“I didn’t know much about him, other than he worked in a local shop and he had a girlfriend back in Russia.”

Neighbours said that Daniel Ivanov had only been in Scotland for a year, and was working at the Family Choice store in nearby Farm Road.

Locals also stated that he planned to get married later in the year, and was saving to buy a house.

Family Choice store owner Mohammed Amir told the Advertiser yesterday that he considered Daniel to be a popular and conscientious worker.

The 48-year-old said: “He was a really hard working guy, and he just wanted to get on with his life.

“He was never aggressive and always greeted customers with a smile. I’ve never heard a bad word said about him, and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone else either.

“I think he was saving up to get his girlfriend to come over from Estonia so they could get married.

“But I understand they were going through proceedings to get the appropriate papers to come over.”

Detective inspector David Tassie attempted to assuage Burnbank residents’ fears following the shop worker’s death.

“I would like to reassure local people who may have concerns that there is a heightened police presence in the area,” he said.

“It's understandable for people to be troubled but we will maintain a large police presence in the area and officers are there, not only to help gather information, but also to provide reassurance to any concerned local residents.”

l A 30-year-old man has appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with the murder of Daniel Ivanov.

Dmitris Stalazs made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody for further examination.

He is expected to appear in court again next week.