North East Police renew appeals in murder inquiry

Questions remain about visitors to Rothienorman home of Brian McKandie

Published 3rd Jun 2016

Officers investigating the murder of Brian McKandie in Rothienorman have again appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

Mr McKandie was attacked at his home at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, Rothienorman, on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th of March and was found dead there on the Saturday.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: "We are now almost three months on from when Mr McKandie was murdered and we would like to repeat our appeals to the public for assistance"

House to house enquiries are almost concluded with over one thousand people seen who live within a few miles of Mr McKandie's home.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith said: "Sightings of various makes and models of vehicles have been reported along with descriptions of drivers and callers to Mr McKandie's address and investigations continue to identify the individuals concerned but a number remain unidentified."

"There is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday 11th March of two males seen speaking to deceased at his address"

There is one male, older, possibly 30-50 years old, heavy build, and another male, younger, possibly 20-30 years old, much thinner build.

Some witnesses also report a burgundy or maroon coloured 'boxy' estate car at the home on the Friday, with one of these witnesses describing it having a different shade on the rear passenger side panel.

The two males and the car remain unidentified, as do a number of other persons who may have attended the address to speak to Mr McKandie.

Police believe that Mr McKandie may have known his attacker through either friendship, business or through a third party he had been introduced to.

A large customer base that used Mr McKandie's services as a mechanic has been identified during the enquiry, but Police believe others have not come forward to date.

They are appealing for people who fall into the following categories:-

1 - Anyone who was a customer, friend or acquaintance of Mr McKandie's and have not been seen by the enquiry team. Mr McKandie was a very private individual, so any information about him will greatly assist the investigation. 2 - Anyone who attended at Mr McKandie address on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th March 2016 and in particular anyone who may be able to identify the two males as described. 3 - Anyone who has information or concerns about the behaviour, or changes in behaviour, of anyone who may be linked to the investigation. 4 - Anyone who has any information which may assist in identifying anyone bearing malice towards Mr McKandie.