A pensioner who was discovered unconscious in a Moray street has died from his head injuries in hospital.
Thomas Castle, known as Tommy to his friends, was found lying face down in a lane off Lossiemouth’s Fairisle Place at midnight on Saturday.
He was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital, as police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into his “unexplained” injuries.
At first, investigators believed Mr Castle had been assaulted but they later ruled out any attack.
Yesterday, residents in that part of Lossiemouth said that Mr Castle had only recently moved to the nearby Castle Court.
It is understood that his new home was mere yards from where he was found in an unresponsive state.
One neighbour described seeing Mr Castle displaying “no signs of injury” at 11.45pm on Saturday, several feet away from where he is suspected to have collapsed.
Officers sealed off large sections around Fairisle Place on Sunday, and forensics experts wearing white body suits and masks scoured the scene for evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Walker is leading the police inquiry and said Mr Castle died late on Sunday night.
DCI Walker said: “Our thoughts are obviously with this man’s family at this sad time.
“Our inquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances leading up to his death, and at this stage his injuries are still being treated as unexplained.
“Several members of the public have already assisted with our investigation and I would like to thank them for their help.
“I would still encourage anyone who saw a man fitting his description to please contact police if they think they have information which could help.”
The 68-year-old, who had white hair with a greying beard, was wearing a checked shirt, blue jeans and a dark coloured hooded top on Saturday night.
Anyone with information on Mr Castle’s movements on Saturday night is asked to call the police on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111 if they would prefer to remain anonymous.
Some people took to social media to express their condolences yesterday.
Susan Halliwell said: “RIP Tommy, very sad to think you were found in the street.”