Murder appeal plan for Dundee derby

Aug 17 2012

Police investigating the murder of a grandfather will appeal to football fans for information during a derby match this weekend.

John McMurchie, 50, was found seriously injured in Fintry Terrace in Dundee at about 4am on Sunday.

The father of five and grandfather of two was taken to Ninewells Hospital in the city but died a short time later.

Mr McMurchie, from Errol in Perthshire, was a Dundee United fan and police will appeal for information at half-time during the club's match with Dundee at Tannadice Stadium on Sunday.

Officers also want to speak to two people who were spotted in the area around the time that Mr McMurchie was found seriously injured. The pair were spotted between 3.55am and 4am in an area known locally as the centre path, near the Whitfield family resource centre.

Detective Inspector Bobby Dow said: "We want to speak with people heading home from a night out, taxi drivers who were dropping off or picking up in the area, shift workers heading to or from work, or event delivery drivers on early-morning runs.

"Did you see anyone walking in the area, or their own, with others, or even out walking their dog? Don't presume that you didn't see anything of interest. Contact us and let us decide."

About 20 officers are searching the Whitfield area of Dundee for evidence.

Police said Mr McMurchie spent Saturday evening in city pubs including the Dolphin Bar, the Balmore Bar and the Albert Bar before going to an address in Murrayfield Gardens. Mr McMurchie left the house between 3.30am and 4am.

Police want to speak to any pub-goers who saw him during the night. People can contact the inquiry team on 01382 591940 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.