Shock as police officer is found dead in burn after night out
A POLICE officer has been found dead in a burn near Carnoustie’s world famous golf course after a Christmas party night out ended in tragedy.
Emergency services were scrambled to the Barry Burn in the Angus town at 12.40pm on Sunday after the body of PC Dean Morrison was discovered.
The 40-year-old had been on a night out with colleagues on Saturday and had also met with his friends before trying to make his way home.
He was thought to have been picked up by a taxi in the Dundee suburb of Broughty Ferry around 11.13pm and taken to near his home in Carnoustie.
Police, firefighters, paramedics and a lifeboat responded to reports of a man being found in the burn close to the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, at the course which hosted this year’s Open Championship.
PC Morrison’s body was recovered following a three-hour operation on Sunday.
Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
PC Morrison had 16 years on the police force, serving all his time in Dundee. Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd, divisional commander for Tayside division said: ‘Dean was a highly respected officer who was extremely well liked and popular with his colleagues. He was thoroughly professional in his work.
‘His death is a great tragedy and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we will do all we can to support them during this distressing time. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Having joined Tayside Police in 2002, PC Morrison moved over to Police Scotland following the merger of the eight regional police forces in April 2013. Heartbroken colleagues changed social media pictures to ones of a thin blue line as a mark of respect for the police constable.
Tributes were also paid on social media, with many people, including former colleagues, describing PC Morrison as ‘one of life’s good guys’ and his death as a ‘huge loss to the force’.
David Farr said: ‘Will miss you so much mate.
‘Your smile and personality would light up any room! Was an absolute pleasure working with you in the town.
‘You were also there for me in the good times and the bad. I am proud to have been able to call you a friend! RIP Deano. Thoughts are with your family and friends!’
Darren David said: ‘Deano, rest easy mate. You were most definitely one of life’s good guys and you’ll be missed greatly. Thoughts are with your family.’
Yvette Walsh said: ‘Devastation does not even describe how we all felt when we heard this horrendous news. You were always a joy to be around, you’ll be missed so much Deano sending lots of love to you and your family at this sad time.’
Darren Smith added: ‘Rest in peace my friend. A fantastic guy always full of energy.
‘One of the most genuine people I have ever known and served
‘His death is a great tragedy’ ‘One of life’s good guys’
with, absolute privilege that you were my friend.’
Steve Cook was also among those to post a tribute on Tayside Police’s Facebook page.
He said: ‘Big gentle nice caring guy. Pleasure working with you over the years. Rest in peace buddy your shift is over.’
The Scottish Police Federation also tweeted: ‘Devastating news. Thoughts with family, friends and close colleagues of PC Dean Morrison.’
Debbie Thomson said simply: ‘Your shift is over Dean. Rest in peace lad.’
As well as his day-to-day duties, PC Morrison also took part in community events around Dundee, including special constable recruitment days and working with community councils.
As part of the investigation into PC Morrison’s death, police are appealing for a taxi driver who is thought to have dropped him off in Carnoustie on Saturday night. The taxi is described as a black people carrier-style vehicle, with a sliding rear door and an orange light on the roof.
Police said they believed the driver picked up PC Morrison at 11.13pm in the Fort Street/ Brook Street area of Broughty Ferry and dropped him off in Carnoustie.
Detective Inspector Ray Birnie said: ‘If this was you, or you know the identity of the taxi driver, then we need to speak to you urgently. Please get in touch with us on 101.’