5 December 2011 Last updated at 08:56 ET

Uist man Liam Aitchison's death treated as murder

The death of a teenager whose body was found in a derelict house on the Western Isles is being treated as murder, police have said.

Northern Constabulary has launched a major inquiry following a post-mortem examination on 16-year-old Liam Aitchison.

His body was found in the Steinish area of Lewis last week.

Liam, who was originally from Uist, had been reported missing after last being seen in Stornoway on 22 November.

Det Ch Insp Kenny Anderson said there had already been a "very positive" response from the community in Stornoway.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have information in relation to this crime to contact the the incident room at Stornoway Police Station," he said.

"In particular, we wish to trace witnesses who may have seen three people wearing hooded type tops, who were seen walking in the Steinish village area shortly after midnight on Tuesday 22 November into the early hours of Wednesday 23 November."

Liam was last seen in Stornoway's Anderson Road area at about 21:00 on 22 November.

In a statement released last week, his family told of their "heartbreak" at his death and urged anyone with information to contact the police.