Police follow positive line of inquiry in hunt for Dundee killer

Published 17th May 2017
Last updated 19th May 2017

Police today they were following a "positive line of inquiry" as a manhunt continued for the killer of a man found dead in the street.

Gary McMillan, 44, was found dead in Dundee's Lawton Terrace around 2.25am on Tuesday following reports of an incident in the street.

Locals said they heard shouting and swearing before emergency services swooped on the area.

Detective Inspector Ged Fitzpatrick, who is leading the investigation said: "We are following a positive line of enquiry in relation to the death of Mr McMillan and I would like to stress that this was an isolated incident.

"I would also appeal to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be to please come forward, particularly anyone who was in the Lawton Terrace area of Dundee in the early hours of Tuesday 16 May.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience whilst enquiries are being carried out in the area."

A huge cordon was thrown up in Lawton Terrace, Byron Street and Lawton Road as a major investigation began.

A blue forensics tent was erected over the spot in the middle of the road where the body was found while a nearby walkway was cordoned off.

Scenes of crimes officers were seen working at the scene while officers reviewed CCTV footage from a bakery yards from the scene.

Uniformed officers stood guard at the edges of the cordon with only residents being allowed access to their properties.

A mobile command unit and incident support vehicle were parked at Byron Street end of the scene.

Police said they were called to the scene around 2.25am on Tuesday and that the man had been pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

One resident, Wendy Ross, 52, said she heard "ranting and raving" in the area around 2am.

She said: "I looked out and saw two men and one girl.

"One of the men shouted 'You'll be happy now, I've killed him, I'll be coming for you next'.

"He was shouting he was a 'warrior'.

"I did wonder if someone needed help and should I call the police."

Stuart Deuchard, who runs Nicolls Rosebank Bakery adjacent to the scene, said: "It's awful when you think someone has been killed on your doorstep.

"Everybody in the shop is talking about it today.

"I have CCTV footage that I have shown the cops."

Friends of Mr McMillan paid tribute to him on Facebook.

Jamie Docherty said: "Absolutely devastated. I saved your life once and I just wish I was there to save your life again.

"You weren't just a cousin to me and Stevie but we called you uncle Gary from the start and always will.

"You were always there for us when we needed you the most and I can never thank you enough for that, I'll love you loads forever and will never forget you.

"Rest in peace uncle Gary I'm gonna miss you so much."

Rebekah Hamilton added: "Absolutely devastated Gary, such a kind caring guy you will be so sadly missed! Forever and ever in our memories, fly high mate."

Ryzie Petrie wrote: "Such sad news mate. You are a good guy Gary McMillan. Take care up there."

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or speak to any police officer.

"Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."