Police comb death scene of murdered ex-addict

POLICE have mounted fresh searches around the scene of former heroin addict Lee Duncan's death to find the weapon that killed him.

PROBE: Officers investigating Lee Duncan's murder search at Quartermile. Picture: ESME ALLEN

The body of Mr Duncan, 31, was discovered at his flat in Lauriston Place by his girlfriend on February 25, but five months on his killer remains at large and the case is now the only active murder investigation in the Lothians within the last year.

Police have so far not revealed how Mr Duncan was killed or the type of weapon used.

But acting on intelligence yesterday, nine officers in hard hats and high-visibility vests could be seen combing gardens around the Quartermile district and the grounds of the former Royal Infirmary.

Officers searched nearby flat roofs as well as long grass and hedgerows. Police searches of Middle Meadow Walk and construction sites in the Quartermile were also under way in an operation expected to last at least two days.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said officers were conducting targeted searches in the vicinity of the crime scene.

"Police have carried out an intelligence-led search of an area of ground close to Lauriston Place, in connection with the murder of Lee Duncan.

"Police continue to appeal for any information regarding his murder."

In April, Mr Duncan's sister Melanie Purdie spoke for the first time about the death of her brother, describing the 31-year-old with learning difficulties as a "vulnerable" man who had no enemies and had turned his life around after years battling heroin addiction.

She appealed directly to his killers to turn themselves in and told how Mr Duncan had began using heroin at around 20 years old after falling in with the "wrong crowd", but had been on a methadone programme for the last six years.

Last month, the News revealed that police had approached GPs and drugs counsellors to report anonymously any information gleaned from patients.

More than 500 people have been questioned since the inquiry was launched in February and police are now preparing to re-interview significant witnesses.

A confidential hotline number has been set up for anyone who has information on 0131-221 2116. Alternatively, people can call police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.