A 45-year-old woman is being questioned by police after being detained in connection with a Forfar murder inquiry.
Detectives are believed to have interviewed the woman at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she was taken after the discovery of a man’s body in the town early on Thursday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Robert Brereton (48), from Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Police said a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal in Forfar.
The killing sparked a day of intense police activity at two locations in the town, including the Manor Court flat just off the town centre, where Mr Brereton was discovered after what police said were reports of an early morning disturbance.
Mr Brereton is said to have sustained a number of injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Police have not revealed the manner in which he died, but it is understood officers who arrived shortly after the alarm was raised around 1am were met with a bloody scene.
A cordon was immediately set up around Manor Court.
Police conducted intensive door-to-door inquiries and a detailed forensic examination of the scene was mounted where the body was found.Police activityIt is understood Mr Brereton’s body remained in situ until the early afternoon as the murder probe gathered pace.
Throughout the morning, another property in Glamis Road was cordoned off and became the centre of police activity.
The end-terraced house near the West Port traffic lights is believed to be the home of a man who was known to the woman detained in connection with the death.
An official statement released earlier on Thursday said, “Tayside Police can confirm that the death of a man in Forfar in the early hours of this morning is being treated as murder.
“Police attended at a flat in Manor Court, Myre Road, Forfar, shortly after 1am following reports of a disturbance, where they discovered the body of a man.
“A 45-year-old woman has been detained in connection with the incident and is assisting with police inquiries. Investigations are continuing today, with door-to-door inquiries and meticulous examination of the crime scene.”
The statement added, “Officers would appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything that could assist police enquiries to call 0300 111 2222.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”Residents’ shockNews of the death sparked shock in the town, despite many in the immediate area of the incident being unaware of events in the early morning lead up to the discovery of the body.
Manor Court resident Beth Kidd (79) said, “It’s quite shocking and frightening to think that in a place like this, which is mostly elderly people, that something like this could happen.”
“I didn’t hear anything until I looked out in the morning and saw all the police around and Manor Court closed off,” said another local resident.
Forfar councillor Colin Brown expressed sadness over the tragic turn of events. He said, “This is something that doesn’t happen in Forfar very often and is something we are not used to.
“Any loss of life is regrettable, and it is sad that this man had many years ahead of him. Forfar is a small community and we must support those affected by what has happened.
“I just hope that the whole circumstances surrounding this tragedy can be cleared up as quickly as possible.”
The woman is expected to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court on Monday.