NAIRN MURDER TEAM HOPING TO DATE AMMUNITION USED IN KILLING OF BANKER
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson are carrying out further checks on the ammunition used in the killing to try and establish when it was made.
It will be six months on Sunday since the 30-year-old father of two was shot dead on his doorstep in Nairn's Crescent Road.
The officer leading the investigation, DCI Peter MacPhee said: "We are carrying out further checks on the ammunition at the moment.
"These checks are being made to ascertain the chemical constituents of the ammunition, which in turn may allow us to date it."
The DCI also confirmed the team has been and continues to be in contact with the makers of the ammunition, Sellier and Bellot in the Czech Republic.
The team's inquiries have been far reaching and have included looking at a number of websites in relation to the purchasing of firearms.
DCI MacPhee said: "We have been looking at several websites as part of our inquiries. Our inquiries cover a broad spectrum, but I wouldn't want to be any more specific than that."
DCI MacPhee appeared on Crimewatch UK for a second time last month (April 13) and appealed for anyone who may have information about the weapon (pocket gun made by Haenel Waffen of Suhl, Germany) or ammunition to contact the inquiry team.
Following the programme the team received two dozen calls in relation to the appeal. Since then the number of calls has risen to over 40.
DCI MacPhee said: "We have had over 40 calls now relating to the weapon and ammunition and we are continuing to receive calls.
"We had two calls last week in fact. A number of lines of inquiry are being followed up in relation to information we have received, some of it going back over 20 years."
The type of ammunition used in the murder is in current manufacture and has been for over 30 years.
DCI MacPhee said he could not rule out anything in terms of a motive for the murder.
He said: "I am keeping an open mind in terms of a motive behind this terrible crime and not ruling anything out."
If anyone has any information relating to the murder of Alistair Wilson or indeed the weapon and ammunition used they are urged to contact the Incident Room in Nairn on 01667 459290.
Crimestoppers have offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information, which leads to an arrest, and subsequent court disposal of the case. The Sun newspaper has also offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to an arrest and court disposal.