Wishartseeks policeanswers onbrianlow investigation
A Perthshire MP has written to Scotland’s top cop seeking answers about the Brian Low murder investigation.
Pete Wishart, Perth and North Perthshire MP, said the incident had shaken the Aberfeldy community and called for“as much information as possible” from the police to provide reassurance.
It comes two months after 65-year-old Mr Low’s body was found on a track outside the town, on February 17. He had been walking his dog and died from shotgun wounds to his neck and chest.
An initial assessment of Mr Low’s death was considered nonsuspicious, but following the results of a post mortem 10 days later, it was declared as murder.
Questions have since been raised about the length of time it took identify the true cause of Mr Low’s death, as well as the time it took to notify the local community, and the case has been referred to the Police Investigations & Reviews Commissioner (PIRC).
Specialist cops investigating the murder have said the answer to the killing“lies within the community”.
Mr Wishart told Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell in the letter, dated April 17, that“vital information”about the matter and the police response was missing.
He wanted to know if police are any closer to identifying the perpetrator, if there was a prime suspect, and if a weapon had been recovered.
Mr Wishart said:“i fully appreciate that this is a live investigation which must be given the time to be conducted thoroughly and properly.
“I am also pleased that the case has been referred to the Police Investigations and Reviews Commissioner (PIRC).
“However, we are now two months on from Mr Low’s death, and vital information relating to this shocking incident, and the police’s initial response, is still lacking.
“I have been contacted by a number of my constituents in the Aberfeldy area who have a range of concerns over this matter, particularly in relation to community safety.”
Mr Wishart also asked about community safety measures in and around Aberfeldy.
Aberfeldy Community Council chairman Victor Clements however said this week that the police should be given space to carry out their investigation.
He commented:“the priority is to find out what happened and get it solved – as well as justice for Brian Low and peace of mind for the people of Aberfeldy.
“If there is a time for criticising the police we should do it when that’s done.
“At the moment we need to give the police the time to carry out their investigation and get off their backs.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Wednesday they had not received Mr Wishart’s letter adding:“any correspondence received will be responded to.”