Detectives are searching for the weapon used to carry out the “brutal” murder of a man in his home.
Brian McKandie, 67, was violently attacked before the discovery of his body in the Aberdeenshire town of Rothienorman on Saturday March 12.
Police confirmed searches are still under way for the murder weapon as they appealed for help to trace two men seen talking to Mr McKandie the previous day.
The men – one a heavy-set man in his fifties, the other younger – were spotted in the driveway of his home at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, between 1pm and 2pm.
They appeared to be beside a burgundy or maroon-coloured estate car which was parked in Mr McKandie’s driveway.
Officers previously made an appeal relating to two men seen talking to the victim at the later time of between 5pm and 6pm.
They are also urging motorists with dashboard camera footage to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: “It may be that the second set of men we are looking to speak to are the same as the first two or it could be another pair, however we are appealing for these men to come forward or to anyone who may have seen them talking to Mr McKandie.
“A number of members of the public have come forward with dashboard camera footage and information, and we continue to appeal for people to do so as this may be relevant to our enquiries.
“We are particularly looking for people to come forward who were in the area of Rothienorman on the B9001 past Badenscoth on Friday March 11.
“We can confirm that a weapon was used during this brutal murder and we are carrying out searches for any kind of instrument which may have been used.”
Mr McKandie’s family described him as a “genial sort of chap with a dry sense of humour”.
“He was hard-working and very dedicated to his business,” they said.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.