Police hunt after Fife dad killed

Man sustained several injuries

A murderer is being hunted after a “doting” dad was found dying in a house in Kelty.

Paramedics were unable to save Colin Oliphant, 38, who sustained numerous injuries during an attack.

Occupants of the house at Keltyhill Avenue raised the alarm but the chef was pronounced dead shortly after emergency services arrived.

Investigators have appealed for help in determining where Mr Oliphant was, what he was doing and who he was with before he was found at around 11am on Wednesday.

Last night his family paid tribute, saying he was a “doting father and much loved by those who knew him”.

A murder hunt has been launched following the death of a father-of-two in a house in Kelty.

Colin Oliphant, 38, was found dying shortly after 11am on Wednesday.

People in the house at 112 Keltyhill Avenue, who were known to Mr Oliphant, called for urgent medical help and a post mortem concluded he had been attacked.

Mr Oliphant, who lived locally and was previously a chef de partie at La Garrigue restaurant in Edinburgh, sustained what were described as significant injuries.

Paramedics were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

Police Scotland’s major investigation team issued an appeal for help in piecing together Mr Oliphant’s movements in the minutes, hours and days before his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown said: “Sadly, Mr Oliphant was unable to recover from the injuries he sustained and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.

“Currently, we are working to establish the movements of Mr Oliphant and the circumstances that led to the attack.”

Mr Brown said the team was keeping an open mind and urged anyone with any information to get in touch.

He could not provide further details of the attack or say whether it occurred before Mr Oliphant arrived at the house.

But he said: “I would say that Colin has received significant injuries that have led to his death.

“My focus will be on the movements of Colin and his lifestyle to gain a wider understanding. I’ve got an interest in speaking to anybody who knew Colin, his movements over that period of that time and who may have any information which may assist this investigation.

“It’s very important we understand how Colin went about his daily business and who he associated with so we can understand him as a person.”

The family of Mr Oliphant, who previously lived in Townhill, Dunfermline, and went to Queen Anne High School, issued a statement through police.

They said: “Colin was a doting father and much loved by those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

“We kindly ask members of the public to respect our privacy while we grieve.”

The house where he died is understood to be that of Cheryl Ring, 33, who was described as having a drug problem at a recent court appearance for a driving offence.

Neighbour David Russell said he was “shocked” to hear of the death and said: “I’ve not really had time to take it in.” Tributes were paid on social media. David Knight posted: “A million memories of highs an lows. You’ve been a good friend Colin Oliphant Rip buddy see you on the other side.”

Claire Wilson wrote: “Struggling for words. Colin was such a lovely guy. Can’t believe this.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Main picture: George Mcluskie.

Colin Oliphant, above, and a forensic officer outside the Keltyhill Avenue home where he was found.

Pictures: George McLuskie. Police outside the house in Keltyhill Avenue where Colin Oliphant, top right, was found dying.

DCI Raymond Brown is trying to find out the circumstances surrounding the death.