Police investigating the "frenzied" murder of a Dundee man have recovered items of interest.
John Kennedy, 63, died as a result of a vicious attack at his home in the city’s Mossgiel Crescent at about 10.15pm on Sunday.
Since then officers at Tayside Police have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and an intensive search of the area.
It has been revealed that Mr Kennedy sold contraband cigarettes and tobacco from his home.
Tayside Police have confirmed people came and went from his address during the day and night and have asked these people to come forward.
Mr Kennedy’s body is expected to be formally identified later on Wednesday.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Gary Ogilvie, earlier described the murder as “vicious and frenzied” and a “sustained attack”.
He said: ‘‘Understandably, Mr Kennedy’s murder is the topic of conversation not only within the community that he lived in but throughout Dundee. We know that people are talking in the local area and with reporters about what they knew of the comings and goings at Mr Kennedy’s address.
‘‘Those people need to know that the information they have could be of enormous value to our investigation and, if they haven’t already spoken with our officers, they should get in touch immediately.
‘‘I am not in the least bit interested in who did or didn’t buy cigarettes from that address. I am concerned with catching a killer and the information that is out there will help us to make strides towards that.’’
Local community
DI Ogilvie thanked the local community for their support and patience as officers carry out intense search activity in the area.
He added: ‘‘We are making good progress and the work undertaken since Sunday has resulted in us recovering numerous items of interest to the enquiry. These items will now be subject to further forensic examination as a matter of priority.’’
The officer also moved to dispel rumours circulating about Mr Kennedy’s murder. Mr Ogilvie said that there was no connection whatsoever with the death of a 50-year-old man in Dundee’s Provost Road on Tuesday.
He said: ‘‘While information is invaluable to our enquiries, rumour and speculation is not helpful. We are acutely aware that incidents such as this concern the people of Dundee when they happen. Murders are uncommon in Dundee and it is right that people are appalled when they happen where they live.
‘‘People should be reassured that our enquiries are making good progress and I would urge them to speak with the officers in the area if they have any concerns whatsoever.’’
Search activity continues in the Linlathen area, with officers searching open land, gardens, outhouses, garages and bins wherever appropriate to the investigation.
Anyone who has information is urged to call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
There is also a line, which is Dundee 01382 591941, which directs callers straight to the Inquiry Team during normal office hours and to the Force Communications Centre outwith office hours.
