The hunt for evidence to bring Aberdeen oil worker Steven Donaldson’s brutal killers to justice intensified on Wednesday.
A further road closure was put in place on Egnomoss Road, near Loch of Kinnordy, by murder squad detectives as the search area was extended.
The usually quiet road – which is a popular route for walkers – links the village of Westmuir up to the B951 Kirriemuir to Kirkton of Kinnordy Road and the Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve, where the body of Mr Donaldson was discovered a week ago.
Police would not confirm nor deny speculation the closure is in relation to a search for the murder weapon which was used in last week’s attack.
The 27-year-old tool specialist, who worked with Interwell in Aberdeen, was found in the car park of the reserve in Kirriemuir on Thursday June 7 having apparently been lured to his death.
Mr Donaldson left his home in Arbroath for Kirriemuir at 10pm on Wednesday June 6. His body was discovered the following morning at 5am by two walkers.
He had been the victim of a sustained and brutal attack with a sharp, heavy weapon.
Police also remained on guard outside two properties in Kirriemuir yesterday.
Crimestoppers has also urged anyone scared to talk to the police to instead “do the right thing” and contact the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.