Detectives investigating the murder of a man in a brutal street attack want to trace the driver of a car seen in the area on the night in question.

Paul Mathieson was found with serious head and face injuries in Houston Street, near Wilson Street, Renfrew, just after 1am on Sunday January 14.

Police believe the 37-year-old, from the town, had been there for some time following the assault, before he was found by a passer-by.

Paul Mathieson died almost a week after being attacked (Police Scotland/PA)Paul Mathieson died almost a week after being attacked (Police Scotland/PA)

He was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he died almost a week later.

Police, who are carrying out a murder probe, say they are keen to speak to the driver of a silver Mazda 2 on the night Mr Mathieson was assaulted.

READ MORE: Sister of murdered Paul Mathieson: Answers lie in the community of Renfrew

The vehicle was seen at around 12.15am on Sunday January 14 in Hairst Street and Renfield Street before turning into Wilson Street and continuing on the one-way system to Fulbar Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus, of the major investigations team, said: “Paul died following a violent assault and it is imperative we find his killer and hold them to account for their actions.

“The person or persons within the silver Mazda 2 car may have seen something that can help us in our inquiries and we would urge anyone driving a car matching the description to come forward and contact us.”

He asked the public to let officers judge how relevant any information is, saying one small detail could prove pivotal in piecing together the events of that evening.

READ MORE: Sister of murdered Paul Mathieson: Answers lie in the community of Renfrew

A number of people seen on CCTV that day have already been traced but others have not yet made contact with police.

Mr Fergus added: “I know some people may think they don’t know anything which could help us or they think they didn’t witness anything but we need to know who was in the area, and who Paul saw and spoke to that evening and your information could contribute to that.”