Residents in the area of a weekend Fife murder have told how they were woken by loud voices and flashing torches as the probe into the death continued on Monday.
Police launched a murder investigation after the body of Mark Deavin was found on a Glenrothes footpath at 1.40am on Saturday.
The 41-year-old was discovered on the town’s Boblingen Way and the following evening, police confirmed he had been murdered.
As detectives and forensics officers worked, a large cordon was set up in the town, stretching along the length of much of the footpath.
Police erected tents in two areas within the cordon, one next to a small play area at Forres Drive.
Woken by voices
Residents told The Courier of their shock as they woke to the grim news.
A Forres Drive resident, who lives close to where Mr Deavin’s body was found, said he was disturbed in the early hours to a large police presence.
“I was woken by the flashing blue lights so looked out of the bedroom window to see police all over the street.
“Police taped off the street a short time later.
“It’s pretty shocking to know that someone has been murdered just yards from my door.”
Another man, from Keith Drive, said: “I heard three male voices not long after 1am.
“They were saying something like ‘come on, hurry up’.
“The police were going door to door this morning and said they’ll be back later to speak to people they’ve missed because they were out.
“They could do with putting CCTV up here.
“There’s always people using quad bikes.”
Extensive search
Officers and CID continued door to door inquiries on Monday morning and could be seen knocking at houses from Alves Drive to Tomintoul Place.
A significant stretch of the path was taped off and several entrances were also blocked.
A tent could be seen on the main cycleway near to a footbridge at Durward Drive.
A second, slightly smaller tent, had been pitched beside the play park at Forres Court, a few metres away.
The cordon was stationed by police officers, some of whom had been brought in from other parts of Fife.
Boblingen Way was closed from Tomintoul Place as far south as Tanshall Road West.
Another resident said: “I was woken up when they were putting the tape up.
“I woke up to torches flashing in my bedroom.
“There must have been about ten of them (police officers).
“The police were going up and down the path. They’ve not been away.”
‘Total shock’
In a statement issued through police on Sunday night, Mr Deavin’s family said: “We are completely devastated by his murder.
“He was a much loved brother and uncle and will be sorely missed by all.”
A friend of Mr Deavin, who asked not to be named, said they were in “total shock”.
“Mark was such a nice and polite lad, it’s horrible to hear what has happened.
“He would never have offended anyone and was so well liked.
“People are in total shock right now.
“I hope police catch whoever is responsible for this awful crime.”
Mr Deavin niece Carrie took to social media to thank those who had been in contact about her uncle’s murder.
“I want to thank every single person who has messaged regarding my uncle Mark.
“As you can understand we as a family are absolutely devastated and can’t reply to every message, but from the bottom of my heart thank you.”
“Fly high Uncle Mark, love you so much,” she said.
Police contacts
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston, of the major investigation team, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw Mark on Friday evening or into the early hours of Saturday morning.
“Likewise, we would like to talk to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in Boblingen Way in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“We have set up a website to give members of the public access to an online form which sends information directly to the inquiry team.”
Information can be given by contacting Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0413 of 17 July 2021 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
