Body of Steven, 27, found

A MURDER inquiry had been launched after a man was killed in a brutal attack at a nature reserve.

The body of Steven Donaldson was discovered by two members of the public in the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve near Kirriemuir, Angus, at 5am on Thursday.

Detectives said the 27-year-old from Arbroath had been the victim of a “sustained and brutal attack” with a sharp, heavy weapon.

No motive is known and police are appealing for members of the public with information to get in touch to provide answers for Steven’s family.

The offshore worker was last seen about 10pm on Wednesday and police say they believe he travelled from Arbroath to Kirriemuir that evening.

They are appealing for anyone who saw his white BMW 1 Series with the private registration S73 VED between Tuesday and Thursday to contact police.

Detective Superintendent James Smith said: “This is now a murder BY LAURA PATERSON reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk investigation. Steven’s next of kin have been informed, formal identification has taken place and we are supporting Steven’s family through what will be difficult times today and in the days and weeks ahead.”

He added: “The postmortem examination, which is still ongoing, shows he has been the victim of a sustained and brutal attack. We really need to find the person or people that are responsible for Steven’s death.

“He was only 27 years of age, he was at the start of this life, it’s absolutely critical that we identify who is responsible for this.”

Roads around the reserve remained closed as forensic teams worked at the site and officers checked CCTV footage from the rural area.

Smith added: “The motive for what has happened here is unclear.

“Anybody who has any information, no matter how small that is, please share that with us. We need the help of the public to get answers for Steven’s family.”