Brian McKandie murder police follow up new leads after Crimewatch appeal

Officers investigating the murder of Aberdeenshire pensioner Brian McKandie say they have had an “encouraging” response to a nationwide TV appeal on Crimewatch.

Mr McKandie was beaten to death in a brutal attack at his home in Rothienorman on March 11. His body was found the following day.

Officers have spoken to hundreds of people and undertaken one of the biggest forensic investigations in Police Scotland history but have yet to identify the culprit.

It was revealed earlier this month that DNA evidence was found at the 67-year-old's Fairview Cottages home, but no arrests have been made.

Mr McKandie's brother Bill made an appeal on Crimewatch on Monday.

He said: “Somebody somewhere knows what happened. If they are going to keep the secret now, it's easier to come forward and tell the police or you've got to the keep the secret forever.”

Bill McKandie spoke of his struggle to move on while waiting for justice for his brother's murder, saying he “always thinks about what happened” every day.

He added: “We just can't put our finger on the reason for it happening. There seems to be no apparent reason.”

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith also appeared on the programme and said officers believe Mr McKandie was killed with a “heavy weapon”, and that the weapon and the murderer's clothes would have been bloodstained.

He made a fresh appeal for anyone with information or CCTV footage of two men seen visiting Mr McKandie on the day of his death in a burgundy estate car to get in touch.

Following the programme, a number of calls were received which officers say had given them “a number of lines of inquiry” to follow.

Mr Smith said: “I can only hope that the programme will encourage people to come forward to assist us in determining the full circumstances of Brian's death, and I would like to thank those who have made contact already.

“A dedicated team is investigating this incident with the assistance of a number of specialist officers and departments, however we are relying on information from the public.

“As our investigation continues into Brian's death it is crucial we build a picture of his life and acquaintances. If you are aware of anyone who would have been in his company, or know of anyone who was in contact with him, please let us know and we can quickly check as to whether we have spoken to them.

“If you think you know anything that could assist please contact 101. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to a conviction.

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