NEW LEADS have been established relating to the weapon used in the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson.

Although the gun used to murder Mr Wilson on the doorstep of his home was 80 years old—the ammunition used was no more than 23 years old.

The information stemmed from a visit to the Czech Republic and Germany by DI Gordon Greenlees, who has spoken to experts in both countries in a bid to establish the background of the weapon and ammunition used in the killing.

Mr Greenlees and a colleague conducted inquiries about the ammunition which was manufactured in Vlasim in the Czech Republic and the firearm which was manufactured in Suhl, Germany.

He said, “The co-operation and assistance given to us by our colleagues in the Czech and German police was excellent and greatly assisted our inquiries.

“Similarly the willingness of various experts and witnesses to assist our investigation was helpful and the information supplied will assist the investigation.”

One of the key findings included the discovery that the 6.35mm/.25 ACP Sellier and Bellot ammunition was manufactured in Vlasim between 1983 and 1993.

It is also now known that the murder weapon, a C.G. Haenal, Suhl (Schmeisser patent) 6.35 mm/.25 semi-automatic pistol was manufactured in Suhl between 1922 and 1925.

Mr Greenlees added, “We have secured additional information which will allow us to focus on particular aspects of this line of enquiry and open new specific lines arising from information gathered during our interviews with various experts.”