Police hunt for murderer after ‘brutal’ death

Walkers made harrowing discovery of 27-year-old’s body

A murder hunt has been launched after a 27-year-old Angus man was the victim of a “brutal” attack at a nature reserve.

The body Steven Donaldson was found by a walker at Loch of Kinnordy, west of Kirriemuir, early on Thursday morning.

A senior detective said offshore worker Mr Donaldson suffered a “sustained and brutal attack” with a sharp, heavy weapon.

His body was found away from his distinctive BMW 1-series car within the reserve.

A two-mile stretch of public road passing by the spot remains closed and a no-fly zone has been put in place as detectives continue the hunt for clues – and the murder weapon.

Detective Superintendent James Smith, who is leading the inquiry, said: “Steven was a son and a brother. He has absolutely nothing in his background that we understand has brought about his murder.”

A murder hunt is under way after a 27-year-old Angus man was killed in a “sustained and brutal attack”.

Offshore worker Steven Donaldson was attacked with what detectives said was a “sharp, heavy weapon” before his body was dumped at Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve.

A walker made the find at the beauty spot near Kirriemuir on Thursday.

A two-mile stretch of the Kirriemuir to Lintrathen road leading to the RSPB reserve remains closed and a no-fly zone has been put in place around the scene, just west of the Angus town.

The officer leading the inquiry has said it is “absolutely imperative” that officers trace whoever is responsible for Mr Donaldson’s death.

They particularly want to speak to anyone who saw Mr Donaldson’s distinctive white BMW 1 series car, with reg S73 VED between his home town, Arboath, and Kirriemuir on Wednesday evening.

Detective Superintendent James Smith said: “A post mortem examination has established that Steven was the victim of a brutal and sustained attack.”

Within hours of him last being seen, his body was found away from his car at the reserve.

Mr Smith said officers were reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out house to house inquiries, as well as speaking to motorists on the B951, which runs past the reserve.

“We absolutely need the help of the community within Angus or wider to help me and my team get the answers for Steven and his family,” said the senior officer.

“Steven was a son and a brother. “There is nothing we are uncovering at the moment that would give rise to concerns about his background – there is no justification for what happened here, no matter the background.”

Mr Smith added: “No matter how insignificant you may feel the information is, let us know and we will assess it. We will not ignore you, we will be back in touch.”

“It may prove vital in tracing those responsible for this brutal murder.”

Mr Smith is also heading the inquiry into the death of 22-year-old Annalise Johnstone, whose body was found on a rural road near Auchterarder last month.

He said detectives were keeping an “open mind” was being kept on the two deaths, but insisted there was nothing at this stage to link them.

Chief Inspector David McIntosh said: “This incident will undoubtedly shock the local community of Kirriemuir and wider area but I want to assure the public that crimes of this nature are very rare in Angus and everything is being done to find out who was responsible for the death of Steven.

“We are carrying out high visibility patrols in the area and if you have any information that can assist our investigation, please speak to one of these officers or call 101, or contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated email address for the inquiry has also been set up at operationreduce@scotland.pnn.police.uk .

we absolutely need the help of the community within Angus or wider to help meandmy teamgetthe answers for steven and his family