Police are hoping that local gossip can hold the key to solving a Carnoustie death riddle.
They want to know everything that people might be hearing ”through the grapevine” as the suspicious death of 59-year-old Tony English continues to dominate local affairs.
Almost a month since the investigation got underway the death still looks no closer to being solved despite repeated appeals from the police and a heartfelt plea from Mr English’s family in Northern Ireland.
Officers took to the streets on Saturday night as they bid to find answers to the suspicious death.
It remains a hot topic of conversation in the town and police are certain someone holds the key to unlocking ”crucial information” about the former oil rig worker’s death.
Officers have been continuing their investigations but are yet to find a breakthrough in the case.
Police held a street briefing in Carnoustie on Saturday night in the hope of gathering more information. Officers were available at the briefing, outside The Spar in Barry Road, to discuss any concerns and issues, as well as offering advice and reassurance to people.
They had a visible presence outside the shop for around an hour and spoke to shoppers and passers-by in an attempt to glean any new information.
Afterwards, police were also undertaking a leaflet drop in the area and urging residents to come forward with anything they might have heard.
It is hoped the appeal leaflet may trigger the memory of any witnesses to events leading up to Mr English being found dead at around 8am on Sunday December 11.
Constable Grant McGaughay said: ”We are hoping the public will take the opportunity to approach the police and provide us with any information that they may previously have withheld or heard through the grapevine.
”There has been a lot of gossip throughout the town which has not necessarily been directed to the police and we are keen to hear about this.
”We believe there is someone in the town who has vital information that they have still to share with the police and they need to come forward and assist the investigation.”
The body of Mr English was discovered at his home address in Kinloch Street, Carnoustie.
Originally from Lisburn, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, he had lived in the Angus town for around 30 years.
Mr English had worked for an offshore firm in Aberdeen as a driller and also had casual work as a golf caddie. It is understood his post-mortem examination revealed just a single wound.
Constable McGaughay said people should not dismiss what they know as being trivial because it could turn out to be vital information.
Since the discovery of his body, Tayside Police have had around 20 officers working on the case every day. Officers have attended at more than 165 addresses in Carnoustie undertaking door-to-door inquiries and have spoken to more than 100 potential witnesses.
Officers in full body armour, forensic detectives and specialists numbered among the several dozen officers attending the crime scene, when the body was first discovered. Police cordoned off the junction of Kinloch Street and Brown Street and closed several surrounding roads.
Two people who had initially been detained to help with inquiries were subsequently released.
Anyone who can assist the investigation should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.