UPDATE – MURDER ALISTAIR WILSON - NAIRN
GUN FOUND LAST WEEK IN NAIRN IS THE MURDER WEAPON – POLICE CONFIRM
**Comments from Jillian and Joan Wilson embargoed until 9pm tonight (Tuesday December 14) – everything else for immediate use**
THE officer leading the investigation into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson confirmed today that the handgun recovered from a drain in the town’s Seabank Road is the weapon used in the murder.
Alistair was shot dead on his doorstep at his home in Crescent Road, Nairn on Sunday November 28, 2004.
Police described the discovery of the weapon last Wednesday as “very significant.”
DCI MacPhee now hopes, after receiving confirmation that it is the gun he is looking for, that forensic examination of the weapon can give him further clues as to who killed Alistair Wilson.
He said last night: “Obviously this is a significant step forward in our inquiry and we will now be looking to maximise any forensic opportunities which may exist in relation to this weapon.”
Tonight Alistair’s wife Veronica, his mother Joan and his sister Jillian will all make heartfelt appeals on BBC’s Crimewatch programme for information which could lead to the identity of Alistair’s killer.
Although he is featured alongside his wife Joan, Alan Wilson will not be speaking on television.
Alistair’s sister Jillian, speaking on tonight’s show said: "Alistair was an ambitious hardworking man, a lot of people knew him and respected him. He just adored his wife and doted on his two wee sons."
She added: "When I heard the news I was at my home in Australia. I jumped on a plane the next day and was able to be with my family who are just so distraught at the moment."
"None of us know why this has happened it is just a complete and utter mystery."
His mother Joan, who also appears on the show tonight says: "Veronica has lost her husband, these boys will never have a Daddy that they will remember because they are so young.
“Not only that but they have violated their home which they feel they are not happy to go back to. I mean a complete upheaval in everyway. And we have lost our only son."
DCI Peter MacPhee and DI Gordon Greenlees have both travelled to London to take part in the Crimewatch show.
On the show tonight DCI MacPhee will be shown walking down the steps from the Wilson’s family home in Crescent Road.
He says: “Immediately after the shooting the offender went down these steps and came on to Crescent Rd. From the sightings we have from witnesses he would have come along Crescent Road, here (walking along Crescent Road) and this road takes us towards Marine Road. Marine Road is directly beside the links area which is beside the sea-side.
“It is an open area and would have been very dark at that time of night."
DCI MacPhee will also remind the general public of a reward donated by Crimestoppers of up to £10,000 which would be payable to those who provide information which leads to the arrest, charge and subsequent judicial conclusion of the case.
NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS
Below are the questions which will be put to DCI Peter MacPhee on tonight’s Crimewatch programme:
? Peter MacPhee – Is there anything to provide a motive?
? Discussion about the envelope?
? Tell us about the gun (if you can) and where it was discarded?
? Information about the Crimestoppers reward?
? Information about the description of the suspect?
Please note that no images of any of the family members featured on tonight’s show are available from Media Services.
** However, there will be an opportunity for photographers to attend at Northern Constabulary Force Headquarters tonight (December 14, 2004) at 8.30pm to take pictures of the Incident Room which has been set up to deal with phonecalls resulting from the Crimewatch programme. The room has been set up with ten phone booths and a fax machine for members of the inquiry team to use.