The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Hunt for three spotted at loch murder scene
Police also seeking occupants of Suv-type vehicle
Police investigating a brutal Angus killing want to speak to three men seen at the murder scene.
Steven Donaldson from Arbroath was discovered in the car park of the Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve in Kirriemuir on Thursday having apparently been lured to his death.
Mr Donaldson left Arbroath for Kirriemuir at 10pm on Wednesday and his body was found the following morning at 5am.
The 27-year-old tool specialist was the victim of a sustained and brutal attack with a sharp, heavy weapon.
Detective Superintendent James Smith of the major investigation team said: “We are also keen to trace the occupants of a black Range Rover style of vehicle which was seen about 10pm that Wednesday evening parked at the end of a driveway about a half mile west of the Kinnordy Nature Reserve car park.
“The occupants may hold vital information, and it’s important that they come forward and speak to officers from the investigation.
“Similarly there was a sighting of three men about 10pm that Wednesday evening, within the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve.”
Police investigating the murder of Arbroath man Steven Donaldson want to speak to three men seen at the murder scene.
The 27-year-old tool specialist was discovered in the car park of the Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve in Kirriemuir on Thursday, having apparently been lured to his death.
Mr Donaldson left Arbroath at 10pm on Wednesday to drive to Kirriemuir, and his body was found at 5am the following day.
He was the victim of a sustained and brutal attack with a sharp, heavy weapon.
Detective Superintendent James Smith of the major investigation team, said: “We are also keen to trace the occupants of a black Range Rover style of vehicle seen about 10pm that Wednesday evening, parked at the end of a driveway about a half mile west of the Kinnordy Nature Reserve car park.
“The occupants may hold vital information, and it’s important that they come forward and speak to officers.
“Similarly, there was a sighting of three men about 10pm that Wednesday evening, within the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve.
“I appreciate that it’s a popular location. However, if you were there, please speak to officers.”
Forensics experts were also scouring a number of properties in Kirriemuir on Monday as part of the investigation.
It is understood police interviewed several people over the weekend but no arrests have yet been made.
A no-fly zone, a public road closure and forensic tent remain in place at the scene of the murder.
The man leading the investigation said he wanted to reassure the public that “every effort is being made to trace whoever is responsible for this brutal murder”.
Mr Smith added: “I’d like to thank the public who have come forward so far. However, I am convinced the answers to what has happened sit within the communities of Angus.
“Please do not think that the police have all the answers. We need information and people to come forward with that information, no matter how small or insignificant it may be.
“There has been significant speculation on social media sites.
“If you have something which can assist the investigation, then please come forward.”
Mr Donaldson travelled to the Kirriemuir area in his distinctive white BMW M1 motor vehicle, registration number S73VED, which is a small sports saloon vehicle.
The police are interested in any sightings of the vehicle at any time from 10pm on Wednesday until his body was found at 5am by two members of the public.
Officers have carried out door-to-door inquiries and are continuing to review CCTV footage for any details that can assist the investigation.
Mr Donaldson worked as a tool specialist for Aberdeen-based oil firm Interwell and had been in the industry since 2008.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk