Half-hour window key to murder case

Police: Focus on two men outside victim’s home

Officers investigating the murder of a north-east pensioner are now focusing on a half-hour window when two men were spotted outside his home.

Brian McKandie was found dead in his cottage near Rothienorman in March, after being brutally hit over the head with a heavy object.

Despite a huge police investigation, the 67-yearold’s killer remains at large.

In the hope of finally tracking the culprit down, Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith – who is leading the inquiry – and Mr McKandie’s brother appeared on BBC’s Crimewatch on Monday.

Officers yesterday said they had received numerous calls, which have given them “a number of lines of inquiry to follow.”

And DCI Smith said the programme had helped his team narrow down the time two men were spotted outside the mechanic’s home at Badenscoth on March 11.

There have been numerous appeals for information about the pair, who were travelling in a burgundy or red estate car on March 11, but so far they have not been traced.

One is described as being heavy built, with dark hair, and in his 40s, while the other is thin with collarlength blond hair. He is thought to be in his 20s.

DCI Smith said that for the first time, his team could say they were spotted outside the cottage between 1.30pm and 2pm.

“I can only hope that the programme will encourage people to come forward to assist us in determining the full circumstances of Brian’s death,” he added.

“I would also take this opportunity to once again remind the public for information about a boxy red or burgundy coloured estate car seen at Brian’s address on Friday March 11, 2016.”

Mr McKandie’s brother Bill also made an appeal for information.

He said: “We just can’t put our finger on the reason for it happening. Somebody, somewhere knows what happened, it’s easier to come forward and tell the police or you’ve got to keep that secret forever.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

VICTIM: Brian McKandie was found dead in his cottage

Police at the home of Brian McKandie