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Oban alleged murder victim named as 73-year-old Martyn Smith

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An alleged murder victim who died after an incident in Oban has been named as 73-year-old Martyn Smith.

Police were called to Columba Court off Castle Road in the Dunollie area of the town on Monday after reports of an elderly man being seriously injured following an altercation between neighbours.

Mr Smith, a resident of Columba Court, was taken to Lorn and Islands Hospital where he died.

Oskars Rancevs, 32, appeared in private at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday charged with murder.

Police are investigating whether the death of another elderly man in the same block of flats on the same day is connected.

The body of a 75-year-old man was found in a flat in Columba Court at 8pm on Monday. The man has been named locally as John White.

His death is still being treated by police as unexplained, however it is believed he had a heart attack.

Mr Smith lived on a boat before moving into Columba Court. He was not from the Oban area. He kept his boat at Puffin Dive Centre in the town.

Mr White was a taxi driver. Oban Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “I understand Mr White called the police about Monday’s incident. I believe he was told to lock his door.

“He was well respected in the town and a very popular taxi driver. He was a quiet unassuming man who went about his business.

“I did not know Mr Smith. Obviously it is dreadful that this has happened and my sympathies go out to both families.”


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Marri Malloy, chairwoman of Oban Community Council, said: “It’s tragic. I understand that the second man was phoning the police when he died of a heart attack.

“It is tragic for both families.

“To have two deaths in the one street is never heard of in Oban. It’s barely heard of to have one sudden death in Oban never mind two. Oban is a small place where you never hear of anything like this.

“It is such a shame. Everyone is very shocked that something like this has happened in Oban. We all feel that.”

Forensic police officers were still working in a cordoned off area of Castle Road and Columba Court last night.