Police are hunting for two men after the murder of a “loving husband” at a home in Inverness.
The pair are thought to have left the property in the St Ninian Drive area minutes before officers arrived to find Ross MacGillivray dead inside.
Investigators believe one of the men – who are later thought to have been seen in the company of a woman – spoke with a Liverpudlian accent.
The 36-year-old Mr MacGillivray was discovered at around 12.10am on Sunday, November 12, around two hours after the two men entered the home.
Mr MacGillivray was described as a “loving husband and a doting father” in a family statement issued by Police Scotland.
Detective chief inspector Martin MacDougall said extensive enquiries were under way to locate the two men, but appealed for anyone who may have further information to come forward and share it with the Major Investigation Team.
“We remain particularly keen to identify two men seen entering the same property where Ross MacGillivray was later found dead,” DCI MacDougall said.
“They entered around 10.20pm on Saturday, 11 November and then left shortly after midnight on Sunday, November 12.
“They are believed to have headed on foot in the direction of the Caledonian Canal and were known to have been in the St Valery Avenue area around 12.20am, possibly in the company of a woman.
“If you saw any of these people, or believe you may have seen any suspicious or notable activity please come forward and let us know.”
The first man, thought to have an accent from the Liverpool area, is described as black, around 6ft tall, of slim build, with short black hair and stubble around his mouth.
He was wearing a blue puffer jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, which were described as chunky.
The second was said to be white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with brown hair, which was shaved at the sides and longer on top.
He was wearing a black waterproof jacket, grey and black trousers and black trainers.
DCI MacDougall said a major police presence would remain in the area in the near future and reassured neighbours they would be available to answer any concerns or questions.
“Incidents such as this are thankfully very rare in the Highlands and we fully appreciate the impact this tragedy has had in the local community and across Inverness,” he said.
“An extensive police presence remains in the area, including detectives from our Major Investigation Team and local officers from Highland and Islands Division.
“If anyone has concerns or information about Ross’s death then I would urge them to speak to any of our officers.”
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