Brian McKandie's killer 'still walking the streets'

THE DETECTIVE leading the investigation into the brutal murder of a pensioner in his own home told of his concerns that a killer was still walking the streets.

Murder victim Brian McKandie. The identity of his killer is still unknown. Picture: PA

Brian McKandie was found dead in the cottage where he had lived most of his life, in Badenscoth, near Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire, on March 12.

The 67-year-old was initially feared to have died after injuring himself but a post-mortem examination later revealed that he had been attacked by a heavy weapon.

Police launched a major investigation following the discovery of his body in the remote bungalow, interviewing hundreds of local residents as well as motorists who would have travelled past his home on the night of his death.

But there are still gaps in the mechanic’s last known movements.

• READ MORE: Brian McKandie murder: brother in new plea over mechanic’s death

Yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: “We are as busy today as we were on the first week.

“That is six weeks now that we have been doing this, and it is a painstaking process. We are still visiting houses in and around the area and we have carried out upwards of 900 property visits; that will continue throughout the course of May.

“Inquiries are carrying on in terms of all aspects of Mr McKandie’s movements on the day we believe he died.

“We have a good idea of his movements on Friday 11, but there are gaps we are missing (such as) some individuals that visited him on the day.

“I can’t deny the fact we have got an individual who has murdered Mr McKandie still walking the streets and that is a concern.”

Forensic teams are still continuing to carry out examinations of the semi-detached house where Mr McKandie died.

• READ MORE: Police seek men seen at home of murder victim Brian McKandie

The cottage is based in a remote area of the countryside and detectives believe it is likely that the pensioner knew his killer.

Mr McKandie is known to have visited his local bank in Turriff then popped into a garage to speak to a friend before heading home the afternoon before his body was found.

Two sets of men were seen at his house later that day by passing motorists although police have not tracked down the people involved yet.

Investigations are continuing into his death.

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