Prime suspect hunted after lovers found in bloodbath

POLICE have launched a murder hunt after naming a man who was found dead following a "violent attack" in one of Edinburgh's most upmarket neighbourhoods.

Stewart Taylor, 33, suffered "substantial head injuries" in an assault at the home of his girlfriend, Lynsey Methven, 30.

Ms Methven was also attacked and is understood to have suffered knife wounds.

A small fire had been started in the flat.

Ms Methven is receiving treatment at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary hospital. Police have not spoken to her yet, but she is not a suspect.

The investigation is focused on a man police describe as "significant", who was seen leaving the flat in Chalmers Street, the Grange, at 7am on Monday - just over an hour before emergency services were called - and driving off in a white van.

Neighbours have reported hearing shouting and a lot of movement in the flat immediately before he left.

He is described as white, of medium build, 5ft 7in tall, aged 40 to 50, of a scruffy appearance, and was wearing a dark, three-quarter length jacket, and a dark "beanie" hat.

A man of a similar description was seen acting suspiciously in the area on Sunday evening.

Police are also trying to trace three people heard entering the stairwell the night before, who may, or may not, be the same three people.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Blair, who is leading the investigation, said: "I can confirm we have launched a murder inquiry following a post mortem.

"The victim is an Aberdeen man who was living in Edinburgh. He had suffered substantial head injuries.

"The female is in hospital as a result of her injuries, which are consistent with an assault. This was a violent attack."

He said that the victims were in a relationship and were boyfriend and girlfriend, although only Ms Methven was a tenant in the flat.

The fire is part of the investigation, but not thought to be responsible for the death or more serious injuries.

More than 40 officers are working on the case, carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area, reviewing local CCTV footage and making detailed forensic checks.

Firefighters were called to the address at 8:20am on Monday. They found the man dead, the woman unconscious, and the flat smoke-logged.

The couple were surrounded by blood and the police sources say the man appeared to have been "battered to death".

The flat, which belongs to Viewpoint Housing Association, is surrounded by expensive Victorian properties.

Police have had high-visibility patrols in the area, providing reassurance to local residents, with officers on hand to speak to members of the public if they have any concerns about Monday's incident.