The death of a popular police officer whose body was found in a burn beside Carnoustie golf links was a “tragic accident”, force bosses said today.
PC Dean Morrison was found dead in Barry Burn in the Angus town on Sunday afternoon.
The taxi driver who was the subject of the earlier appeals has now been traced.
However, police are still appealing to the public for further information.
Detective Inspector Ray Birnie of Tayside Division said: “Whilst our inquiry is still ongoing, I can confirm that Dean’s death is not being treated as suspicious. I would like to stress that all indications to date are that it was a tragic accident.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
“We are of course continuing to support his family with specialist police officers.
“I can confirm that we have this afternoon spoken to the taxi driver who drove Dean to Carnoustie.
“He has confirmed that he dropped Dean off at the roundabout at Barry Road/MacDonald Smith Drive at 11.30pm on Saturday December 15.
“A member of the public has also contacted us to tell us that Dean was seen walking in Main Street shortly thereafter.
“We still need to establish if anyone else has seen or heard from him after this.”
Dean was wearing a dark grey ‘puffer’ style jacket, scarf, dark shirt, black trousers and brown shoes. Police are still searching for the scarf which he was wearing.
The scarf is from Next and is multi-coloured striped, including brown, green and silver.
Police said: “If you find this scarf, please leave it where it is and phone us.
“There will be a continued increased police presence in Carnoustie whilst our inquiries are continuing.
“I would like to sincerely thank the public for their support and assistance. The help we have received to date is allowing us to gradually build a picture around Dean’s last moments.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.