Police confirm ex-footballer took own life

POLICE have today confirmed that an ex-footballer from Edinburgh found dead in Australia committed suicide.

Former Airdrie and Falkirk defender Forbes Johnston, 35, was found dead in a Ford car in Murray Bridge, near Adelaide, last Thursday.

Mr Johnston, who grew up in Balerno, moved to Australia after a knee injury forced him to quit the game at 28.

He had played with junior side Musselburgh Athletic before moving to Falkirk in 1990. He joined Airdrie in 1996 before quitting in 2000.

A police source in Australia said: "The death was not suspicious and is being treated as suicide.

"A report is being prepared for the coroner."

Mr Johnston's parents, who live in Balerno and have been named as Robert and Robina, are thought to have flown out to Australia.