Police investigating the murder of an Arbroath man want to trace three people and a 4×4 seen near the beauty spot where he was later found dead.
Offshore worker Steven Donaldson, 27, was attacked with a “sharp, heavy weapon” before being dumped at Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve near Kirriemuir.
Two walkers discovered his body on Thursday morning at about 5am, after which police launched an investigation into what was described as a “brutal and sustained attack”.
Police said Mr Donaldson drove from Arbroath to Kirriemuir on Wednesday evening in his white BMW 1 Series car. It has a private registration of S73 VED.
And on Monday afternoon, Tayside Police Division issued a fresh plea for help with their investigation into his death.
The force said they are now keen to trace witnesses, including the occupants of a black Range Rover seen parked at the end of a driveway near Loch of Kinnordy last Wednesday at about 10pm.
They also want to track down three men seen within the car park of the beauty spot at about 8pm on the night.
Detective Superintendent James Smith of the force’s investigation team said he is “convinced the answers to what has happened sit within the communities of Angus”.
He added: “We are continuing to piece together Steven’s movements. We know Steven left Arbroath about 10pm on Wednesday, June 6, and travelled to the Kirriemuir area, in his distinctive white BMW M1 motor vehicle, registered number S73VED which is a small sports saloon vehicle.
“I am interested in any sightings of this vehicle at any time from 10pm Wednesday, June 6 2018 until we first became aware of his body having been found at 5am the following day Thursday, June 7 2018 at Kinnordy Nature Reserve car park.
“We are continuing to conduct a thorough forensic examination of the area for any opportunities and throughout the weekend officers have carried out door to door enquiries and are continuing to review CCTV footage for any details that can assist our investigation.
“We are also keen to trace the occupants of a black Range Rover style of vehicle which was seen about 10pm that Wednesday evening parked at the end of a driveway about a half mile west of the Kinnordy Nature Reserve car park.
“The occupants may hold vital information, and it’s important that they come forward and speak to officers from the investigation.
“Similarly there was a sighting of three men about 8pm that Wednesday evening, within the car park at Kinnordy Nature Reserve. I appreciate it’s a popular location, however if you were there that evening, please come forward and speak to officers.”
He said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Steven’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time.
“I’d like to rassure the public that every effort is being made to trace whoever is responsible for his brutal murder.
“I’d like to thank the public that have come forward so far, however I am convinced the answers to what has happened sit within the communities of Angus.
“Please do not think that the police have all the answers, we need information and people to come forward with that information, no matter how small or insignificant it may be.
“There has been significant speculation on social media sites, if you have something that can assist the investigation, please come forward.
“Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to a police officer.
“Alternatively if you have any information about the incident you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.”
