A pensioner was found dead in freezing cold temperatures on the outskirts of Dundee early yesterday after failing to return home from walking his dog.
The body of Robert Johnston (79), of Panmurefield Terrace, Monifieth, was discovered lying on the icy path that runs along the side of Monifieth High School.
The spot is a few hundred yards from his home and was on his regular route where neighbours said he was often seen with his collie.
Mr Johnston, who was known as Grahame, was found by a passer-by at about 5.20am, when the temperature was below zero. He was not breathing and emergency services were alerted.
Paramedics raced to the scene but when they arrived at about 5.25am they found he was dead.
Police are investigating the possibility Mr Johnston may have fallen and succumbed to the cold.
Sergeant Steve Rose, of Tayside Police, said: ”An elderly gentleman was found dead in the early hours of this morning but there does not appear to be anything suspicious at this time,” he said.
”The family has been informed and we are still waiting on the doctor coming out to see exactly what has happened.”
Police later confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and, as with all sudden deaths, a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
Pupils walking down the path on their way to Monifieth High School were diverted along Inchcolm Drive to keep them away from the scene, as policemen stood guard at either end of the section of the path.
Residents in nearby Inchkeith Avenue and Inchcolm Drive awoke to find a police presence in the area.
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: ”We received a call at 5.21am from a mobile phone number reporting they had come across an unconscious male on the path by Monifieth High on Panmurefield Road.
”He wasn’t breathing. An ambulance crew arrived at 5.25am and confirmed it was a sudden death and police were informed.”
Councillor Margaret Thomson said: ”It’s a terrible situation, especially in such a busy area.”