Police in the Scottish Borders have launched a murder investigation following the death of an elderly man in Tweedbank near Galashiels.
The body of 75-year-old David Farish was discovered within his home address in Broadlee Bank at around 1.30 p.m. on Thursday 18th February and a police presence has been in place at the property since this time.
Following a post mortem examination on the afternoon of Saturday 20th February the death is being treated as murder and an investigation led by Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team is underway.
Detective Inspector David Pinkney from the MIT said: “At this time we are in the initial stages of our inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding David’s death. However, as a result of the investigative and forensic work already carried out, we are satisfied that he has been murdered.
“David was last seen alive at 8.15 a.m. on Tuesday 16th February prior to officers finding his body at 1.30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and anyone with information as to his movements between this time period is urged to come forward.
“Police Scotland was alerted to David’s body being within his flat by an anonymous caller who hung up quickly without leaving any details. I would request that individual to urgently get back in touch and help us with our investigation.
“In addition, anyone who has seen any suspicious activity within the Broadlee Bank area between Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th February should also contact police immediately.”
Inspector Ali Hutchens from Melrose Police Station said: “This incident will undoubtedly distress and unsettle the local community and I would like to reassure everyone that a robust police presence will be in place throughout the Tweedbank area to investigate this crime, speak with residents and garner information that can help us bring David’s killer to justice.
“Thankfully offences of this nature remain extremely rare in the Borders but when they do occur we will utilise all resources at our disposal to investigate thoroughly.
“Anyone with information that can assist with our ongoing inquiries is asked to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
