Detectives probing the mystery death of a Perthshire jeweller have arrested a man over the disappearance of his car.
A murder investigation was launched after 49-year-old Alan Gardner was found dead at his home in Balbeggie last Thursday.
Mr Gardner’s blue Toyota Rav was initially unaccounted for and was located on Friday night, following a police appeal.
A police spokesperson confirmed that a 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of the vehicle.
He is expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday.
The enquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mr Gardner’s death continues and the police spokesperson stated his death is still being treated as suspicious.
Scores of police had descended on Balbeggie after Mr Gardner’s body was discovered at around midday on Thursday.
Investigators scoured the Croft Park property where Mr Gardner lived on his own and from where he ran his bespoke jewellery business.
It is understood that Mr Gardner was found dead in his bed, although it is not known how long he had lain there undiscovered.
A force spokeswoman said the next stage of the inquiry was to focus on Mr Gardner’s car, which was missing from its usual spot outside the home.
Police launched a hunt for the blue Toyota Rav, which had a registration number M301 ORO, and issued an appeal to the public for information as to its whereabouts. They announced on Friday evening around 6.45pm that the car had been found.
Neighbours said Mr Gardner, who had epilepsy, had recently sworn off driving because his fits had become too severe and sporadic.
Mr Gardner had moved into the area with his wife Jennifer and his daughter about six years ago.
The couple split up in 2013 and Mr Gardner has since been living on his own.
Although he kept himself to himself, he was described by some locals as an active member of the community who was involved with the village’s playing field association and other groups.
He spent most of his time locked away in a workshop in the grounds of his home, mending customers’ jewellery. At other times, he was seen walking his dog around the area.
At the height of the investigation on Thursday night, there were eight police cars, an incident unit and a van parked around the cordoned-off zone.
Forensic teams dressed in white were seen carrying out an extensive search at the front of Mr Gardner’s home before going inside.
Anyone with information about Mr Gardner’s final movements has been asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.