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A pair of samurai sword-wielding thugs burst into the home of a father-of-one and killed him in a brutal attack.

The duo burst into Jason Dunlop’s flat in Kilmarnock on Saturday night before slashing and stabbing at him.

Jason, 38, died from his injuries in hospital on Tuesday morning, reports the Daily Record.

Police have now launched a murder hunt for the pair.

The brutal attack happened at his ground-floor flat in the town’s Onthank area at 11.10pm.

It’s thought the men targeted Jason - who is also known as Jason Bryden - due to a feud between his friend and another man.

Father-of-one Jason was a member of the far-right Scottish Defence League - but it’s understood that his death has nothing to do with his beliefs.

The Daily Record has also been told that a woman was in the flat at the time of the attack - and held back his Staffordshire terrier-cross as the violence continued.

“The way he was murdered was horrendous,” said a close pal last night.

The man, who asked not to be named, continued: “It was nothing to do with Jason. It wasn’t his battle and was something he was brought into.

“The two guys who went into his flat, kicked in the door and carved him to bits.

“He was left brain dead and there was nothing the doctors could do because he was left in such a bad way.

(Image: Daily Record / Sandy Ferguson)

“It was over somebody else’s argument. It’s a sad state of affairs. It wasn’t over drugs or money, just a stupid argument that happened last year.

“I think it’s pretty disgusting that we are going about and doing that to our fellow human beings in this day and age.

“If someone has grievance, go out on the street and have a fist fight. There is no need to do that to someone, especially when he has a daughter.

“Everyone is a bit stunned. If someone gets knocked down by a car, it is accidental. But something like this is very, very grim.”

It’s believed the alarm was raised after neighbours heard Jason’s screams as the attack took place.

Detective Inspector David Moran, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Teams (West), said: “Extensive police enquiries have been ongoing in the area where the incident took place and officers are continuing to study CCTV footage and conduct door to door enquiries in an effort to gather more information on the men responsible for Jason’s death.

“At this time I would urge anyone who was in the area of Hareshaw Gardens around the time of the incident on Saturday night who either witnessed this attack take place, or who has any information that may assist our investigation to contact police as soon as possible.

“You might not think that the information you have is much, but as part of our broader investigation, your information could be critical in tracing those responsible.”

Chief Inspector Linda Jones, Area Commander for Kilmarnock, added: “I can understand that the public may have concerns following this murder.

“However, I would like to reassure the community that uniformed officers will maintain an enhanced police presence across Onthank over the next few days.

“This is to enable local people to speak to officers about any concerns that they may have and also to provide any information to police.”