Detectives investigating a fire which ravaged a Mearns cottage last week believe that they have found the body of its elderly occupant.
The blaze ripped through Hillhead Cottage at Balfour near Fettercairn on Wednesday evening and 78-year-old Jane Murray, who lived alone in the property, has not been seen since.
Although the badly burned remains have still to be formally identified, neighbours and friends have insisted throughout the probe that it would be highly unlikely for Mrs Murray to leave the house for a prolonged period without advising anyone of her whereabouts.
Police have already established that Mrs Murray was an “independent woman” who had a “varied circle of friends.”
Officers have renewed their appeal for anyone who may have information on the apparent victim’s routine and personal circumstances to come forward particularly a close male friend whom they have been unable to trace as yet.
Detective Inspector Neil Cameron said, “We are aware that Jane may have had a close male friend, Greg or Craig, who was outwith the family circle.
“Despite our inquiries, I’m disappointed that we have not been able to trace this person and advise him of our inquiries.”
The man is said to be aged over 70 and resident in the Aberdeen area. It is believed that Mrs Murray regularly visited him.Friends’ griefHowever, Mr Cameron insisted the man was not a suspect in any of the force’s inquiries.
He added, “There is no suspicion on this person and at this time nothing to suggest any criminality in terms of the cause of the fire which is still being investigated.
“The fire investigation is likely to last several more days.”
The alarm was raised in the early hours of Thursday and crews from Brechin, Laurencekirk and Inverbervie rushed to the scene.
It took them 90 minutes to tackle the blaze but they were unable to establish if Mrs Murray had been inside.
Hopes of finding her alive have faded dramatically over the past few days and many grief-stricken friends have laid floral tributes outside the cottage, fearing the worst.
Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville was among the first and paid tribute to her “stalwart” friend of 30 years, who was also known as Jean.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5700.