MP seeks clarity from police chief two months after man’s murder on rural path

Forensic officers at scene

Scotland’s top police officer has been urged to clarify “unanswered questions” surrounding the investigation into a gunshot victim’s death two months ago.

Brian Low, 65, was found dead on a rural path in Pitilie, near Aberfeldy in Perth and Kinross, on February 17.

His death was originally treated as “medical or non-suspicious”, however it later became a murder investigation when a post-mortem examination established he was killed by a “fatal gunshot”.

However, locals were not told of the nature of Mr Low’s death until 10 days after his body was found.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has now written to Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell to seek clarity on the ongoing investigation, community safety concerns and the force’s initial response.

He has sought an explanation as to why it took so long for the nature of Mr Low’s death to be determined and why the community was not notified sooner.

Mr Wishart has also asked whether officers are any closer to identifying a perpetrator and if there is a prime suspect.

Following concerns among locals, he has asked Ms Farrell to outline measures being taken to ensure community safety and state whether there are fears of similar events.

The SNP MP said: “I fully appreciate that this is a live investigation which must be given the time to be conducted thoroughly and properly.

“However, we are now two months on from Mr Low’s death, and vital information relating to this shocking incident, and the police’s initial response, is still lacking.

“I have been contacted by a number of my constituents in the Aberfeldy area who have a range of concerns over this matter, particularly in relation to community safety.

“This incident has rocked the close-knit community of Aberfeldy to its core.

“As such, it is important that they are provided with as much information as possible in order to provide reassurance during this unsettling time, and also to encourage those who may hold key information to come forward.”

The professional standards department of Police Scotland was informed of the change to a murder investigation, while watchdog the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner said it would conduct its own review.

Police Scotland has been asked for comment.

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