Fresh appeal in Angus murder investigation

Detectives investigating the brutal killing of a man at an Angus nature reserve say they believe people in the surrounding communities hold the key to solving the crime.

Officers spoke as they appealed for three men and the occupants of a black Range Rover-type vehicle seen in the area to come forward.

Steven Donaldson's body was discovered by two members of the public in the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve, near Kirriemuir, at 5am on Thursday.

Police said the 27-year-old from Arbroath had been the victim of a "sustained and brutal attack'' with a sharp, heavy weapon.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent James Smith of the major investigation team, is urging anyone with information to speak to officers.

He said: "I'd like to re-assure the public that every effort is being made to trace whoever is responsible for his brutal murder.

"I'd like to thank the public that have come forward so far, however I am convinced the answers to what has happened sit within the communities of Angus.

"Please do not think that the police have all the answers, we need information and people to come forward with that information, no matter how small or insignificant it may be.

"There has been significant speculation on social media sites, if you have something that can assist the investigation, please come forward."

Police, who launched a murder inquiry on Friday, say offshore worker Mr Donaldson left Arbroath at about 10pm on Wednesday and travelled to the Kirriemuir area in his white BMW M1 - a small, distinctive sports saloon car.

Officers want to know about any sightings of this vehicle, with the registration plate S73VED, from then until the time when he was found dead.

Mr Smith continued: "We are also keen to trace the occupants of a black Range Rover style of vehicle which was seen about 10pm that Wednesday evening parked at the end of a driveway about a half mile west of the Kinnordy Nature Reserve car park.

"The occupants may hold vital information, and it's important that they come forward and speak to officers from the investigation.

"Similarly there was a sighting of three men about 8pm that Wednesday evening, within the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve.

"I appreciate it's a popular location, however if you were there that evening, please come forward and speak to officers."

Police are continuing a forensic examination of the area and have been reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door to door enquiries in the hunt for answers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111