Police investigating the brutal killing of a north-east taxi driver have received more than 50 calls since launching a fresh appeal for information just days ago.
George Murdoch was left for dead after a mystery assailant attacked him with a cheese wire in a quiet Aberdeen street on September 29, 1983.
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Despite numerous appeals – and the offer of a £10,000 reward – his killer has never been brought to justice.
Last week, his nephew Alex Mckay joined Detective Inspector Gary Winter to make a heartfelt appeal for information that could finally solve the case.
DI Winter yesterday revealed the response has been significant so far.
“We have received a significant number of calls – around 50 – in relation to last week’s appeal concerning the murder of George Murdoch in 1983, and are still taking calls today in relation to various aspects of the case.
“It is clear that despite the significant passage of time people still remember the tragic night George was murdered and want to help give his family the closure they deserve.
“We are looking to establish different uses for cheese wires at the time, an extremely unusual item for any person to have in their possession.
“The route taken that night by the killer and the violent nature of the assault are also key features of the case.
“If you are aware of any information, or have any suspicious about who is responsible – even if you think the police are already aware – please get in touch so we can check this against our records.”
On the evening of his death, Mr Murdoch, 58, told his dispatcher over his radio he had picked up a picked up a passenger on Queen’s Road, and was heading for Culter.
However, a short time later, police were called to Pitfodels Station Road – miles away from his stated destination – after reports of a bloody attack outside a taxi.
Officers discovered Mr Murdoch seriously injured, with his wallet missing and a discarded cheese wire nearby. He died soon after the emergency services arrived.
Last week, Mr Mckay described his uncle as a “gentle” family man who would not have put up a fight if his killer had wanted to steal his cash.
The 61-year-old urged anyone who might know the culprit – who would be in his late 50s or early 60s now – to contact the police, adding: “This killer has, or had,a mother, a girlfriend, a wife, a sister, or children who could have lived for all of these years with the man who killed my uncle.
“The time to come forward is now.”
DI Winter added yesterday: “I would like to thank those who have been in touch so far and would continue to ask anyone else with information to phone the police on 101, by e-mailing the dedicated inbox at scdholmesaberdeen@scotlandpnn.police.uk, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”