The murder of a man found dead in his own home has been described as a “violent attack”.

Brian McKandie’s body was discovered at Fairview Cottages in Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday March 12.

Police have appealed for information about two men they believe visited the 67-year-old the previous day.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Officers investigating the murder are appealing for information about two men who may have visited him the day before he was found dead.

"A witness has come forward with information which suggests he may have been visited by two men on Friday between about 5pm and 6pm.

"Mr McKandie's body was discovered in his home at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, on Saturday. It's thought he had suffered a violent attack."

Officers have asked anyone with any information to contact them on 101.

Police Scotland detective chief inspector Iain Smith added: "We are appealing for these two men who were seen speaking to Mr McKandie to come forward and speak to us to see if they have information that could assist with our investigation.

"We don't have a detailed description of the two men but one is thought to be in his twenties and the other in his thirties or forties.

“Additionally, anyone else who was in the area at the time or has information, no matter how insignificant you think the information could be is encouraged to come forward."