UPDATE - MURDER OF ALISTAIR WILSON - NAIRN - 08.06.07

PRESS RELEASE

Use: Immediate

Issue Date: 8 June 2007

ALISTAIR WILSON MURDER INQUIRY TEAM TO EXTEND DNA SCREENING PROCESS

NORTHERN Constabulary will today issue letters to a large number of men asking them for a voluntary DNA sample as part of the investigation into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson.

DCI Peter MacPhee, the man leading the murder inquiry, said those contacted would include men who were either in the Nairn area during the weekend of the murder or who have some connection with Alistair Wilson.

The purpose of today’s press conference is to publicise the need for the public’s co-operation in this matter.

It is also an appeal to any men who were in Crescent Road, Nairn, during the weekend of the murder, and who have not already been spoken to by detectives, to come forward.

The 30-year-old father of two was shot dead on the doorstep of his home at 10 Crescent Road, Nairn , on 28 November 2004 by an, as yet, unknown gunman. He is described as being approx 5ft 4”- 8”, of stocky build and was wearing a baseball cap and dark blouson jacket.

During the forensic examination, 19 DNA profiles were raised from the crime scene. With a view to eliminating these profiles, the inquiry team previously carried out a DNA screening in Nairn in February 2005 at which people who had been identified as having been in the Crescent Road area over the weekend of the murder were contacted and asked to volunteer their DNA.

As a result 18 DNA profiles from the scene were subsequently eliminated, leaving just one profile which remains unidentified.

DCI MacPhee said: “We have identified throughout the course of this investigation that these men have some connection with Nairn around that time or a connection of some kind with Alistair Wilson.

DCI MacPhee said: “Obviously we are looking to identify this one remaining profile and using the names from the HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) database, we wish to extend the previous DNA screening with a view to eliminating this final profile.

“Letters will be sent to selected male members of the public inviting them to attend specific premises to give a DNA sample, which will be checked against the outstanding profile.

“Once checked the volunteer will be informed his sample has been eliminated, within four weeks of providing it.”

He added: “The sampling process, which consists of a swab being taken from the mouth, is totally pain free and should take no longer than 15 minutes.”

The DNA screening process will be carried out in batches as there are several hundred men being contacted. As a result this phase of the investigation could take a number of months to complete.

DCI MacPhee said: “This whole exercise is geared towards identifying this profile and eliminating it from the inquiry. I am hoping that I will receive the same level of support from the public that has been evident throughout this difficult investigation.”

Ends