Police charge suspect over Haddington landlord's murder

A MAN has been arrested and charged with the murder of landlord Steven Curran, whose body was found behind a pub in East Lothian.

Lothian and Borders Police last night confirmed that a 23-year-old man has also been charged with the theft of a motor car. The suspect is expected to appear at Haddington Sheriff Court tomorrow.

The body of Curran, 47, from Musselburgh, was found at about 2am on Thursday behind the Dolphin Inn at Whitecraig, East Lothian, sparking a murder investigation.

Earlier Curran's wife Jill spoke of the family's devastation at their loss.

In a statement issued through Lothian and Borders Police, she said: "We are all devastated by recent events which have taken Steven from our close-knit family.

"He was a much-loved husband, father, brother and son who will be sorely missed.

"He was a very family-orientated man, and myself and our two young daughters were the centre of his life."

A number of floral tributes to Curran have been left outside the pub.

One message read: "Stevie. Thanks for everything… sleep well. My thoughts are with you and the family. With love from Lynda."

Police pursuing the murder inquiry said a car crash that took place earlier on the A1 is being linked to the death. A Toyota Celica travelling south collided with the central reservation near Dunbar and was found abandoned when officers arrived at the scene.

Detectives appealed for anyone who was in the pub around closing time.

They also appealed for any witnesses on the A1 who saw the vehicle driving erratically at the Thistly Cross roundabout or the Spott roundabout to contact them.

Officers also asked anyone who saw a man walking alone in the countryside near the Broxburn Estate in Dunbar to contact Lothian and Borders Police.