Grieving family’s plea for answers

The family of a man found dead more than 20 years ago claim they have been snubbed by police in their pleas for updates on the case.

Kevin McLeod’s relatives say they have been forced to submit Freedom of Information requests when they want news on the inquiry. The claims come despite Police Scotland pledging to give the family a briefing on the investigation every six weeks. Kevin’s uncle, Allan McLeod, told how they have not had a meeting with anyone from the force since July.

He fears police are “closing the exits on the case” over the possibility that officers were present when Kevin, 24, died in Wick harbour in 1997.

A new investigation into the death was launched earlier this year when a witness came forward with fresh information.

Allan, 60, of Alness, said: “The witness came forward on January 10 and said he saw two police officers watch Kevin while he was in the water.

“There are two key questions we need answered: Why did police fail to carry out a murder inquiry and were they involved in Kevin’s death?”

The family believe injuries on Kevin’s body showed he was murdered but police said the death was an “accident”.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone issued an apology to Kevin’s parents last year over the initial handling of the case.

After we asked about the case, police contacted the family on Friday to tell them a report had been sent to the Crown Office.

Det Ch Insp Mark Bell said: “We completed our inquiries and reported the findings to the Crown Office last week and await further direction. For operational reasons, it is not always possible to publicly share aspects of an investigation.”