By Laurie Watson and Stefan Morkis

POLICE IN DUNDEE said yesterday they are pursuing several “positive lines” of inquiry in their hunt for the killer of Shaun McBeath.

The 25-year-old was found mortally wounded in a Hilltown tenement in the early hours of Tuesday. The unemployed father-of-two had spent the previous evening at a party in the block of flats.

Detective Chief Inspector Ewen West, leading the investigation, said yesterday officers investigating the killing had spoken to 100 witnesses and collected 400 items of evidence.

Forensic work was continuing at the scene last night, while officers carried out further door-to-door inquiries.

However, DCI West said there are still people police want to speak to.

“We have received many phone calls and spoken to a large number of people who have been able to assist with our inquiries to date, but there are still people out there who we know have information that is important to this inquiry and I would urge them be get in touch with us straight away.

“We are following positive lines of inquiry and I am encouraged by the progress that has been made through the hard work of the investigation team and the assistance of the public.

“We have received and gathered a great deal of information in the past two days or so and are meticulously working our way through it.”

DCI West said a substantial amount of public and private CCTV footage has been gathered, with the process of reviewing and analysing footage under way.

Yesterday the area surrounding the tenement block between McDonald Street and Rosebank Street where Mr McBeath was found was still cordoned off, and DCI West said a heavy police presence would remain as forensic experts worked on.

A delivery driver has come forward with important information, and DCI West stressed he would now like to hear from delivery and taxi drivers who may have been in the area.

He said, “We have heard from taxi drivers who were in the area during the key times and I am grateful for their assistance. But this is a busy route in and out of town and I am certain that other taxi drivers or delivery drivers would have passed this address on Monday night and Tuesday morning.”

Mr McBeath had attended a party at 118 Hilltown on Monday evening and early Tuesday, and DCI West said party-goers had responded positively to the appeal.

He also reiterated his appeal for a man seen leaving the tenement around 40 minutes prior to police being called to the scene on Tuesday morning.

The man is aged between 20 and 35 and was seen leaving the tenement close and heading down the Hilltown towards the city centre. He wore a light-coloured baseball cap and jacket and had a rucksack across his shoulder, and was also carrying a light-coloured plastic shopping bag.

DCI West stressed they would like this man, or anyone who saw him, to come forward.

He added, “We still want to hear from anyone who was at the party, and has not already spoken to the police, or who saw Shaun during the course of Monday and into Tuesday, whether at the party or elsewhere.”

Anyone who can assist the inquiry is asked to contact the incident room on 01382 591940 or 591941. They can also text information to 07970 561 546.

Alternatively, call 01382 223200, speak to any officer or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.