The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Worried friend climbed through window and found victim in home.
Man was said to have been found with a blanket over his face and a lit candle next to him
The lifeless body of a Fife murder victim was discovered at his home in Kirkcaldy after a worried friend broke in through the front window.
Another friend, who asked not to be named, claimed Kevin Byrne had a blanket placed over his face with a candle lit next to his body when he was found. Police refused to comment.
Emergency services were called to Mr Byrne’s bungalow on Alison Street at around 10am on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old, who is understood to have lived alone, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem was carried out and established the father, who also used the surname , had been murdered.
Investigators are now appealing for help in piecing together the tragic dad’s final movements between 9.30am on Sunday and 10am on Tuesday.
Yesterday, officers were carrying out door-to-door inquiries at neighbouring properties on the street.
The bungalow remained cordoned off with the living room window boarded up and a metal plate fixed to the front door of the property.
Investigators said they were unable to comment on specific details, including injuries or potential weapons used or the situation of the body when it was found, due to the early stage of the inquiry.
The friend said: “It’s an absolute liberty for someone to have done this to Kevin.
“He had his issues but he was a nice guy who was born and bred in Kirkcaldy.
“I last spoke to him on Sunday when he came chapping at my door.
“The boy who found him climbed through the front window and saw him lying there. Apparently a blanket had been draped across his face and candle lit next to him.
“He only had one leg so he didn’t stand a chance against whoever done this. He’s got a wee girl who lost her mum in 2017 and now he’s gone too.
“I really hope the police catch whoever done this soon. It’s an absolute sin.”
Mr Byrne’s relatives were too upset to comment yesterday.
Detective Inspector Carol Craig, from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, said: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr Byrne at this difficult time and our officers will continue to provide them with specialist support. We’re appealing for anyone who may have seen Kevin between 9.30am on Sunday February 3 and 10am on Tuesday February 5.
“Kevin would’ve been distinctive to anyone who saw him because he had an amputated left leg and used crutches.
“Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the local area to offer reassurance to the community and anyone with concerns or questions should speak with them.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident reference number 0915 of 5 February or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
He only had one leg so he didn’t stand a chance against whoever done this