Police officers working on a murder investigation after a mechanic's death in Aberdeenshire have issued a renewed appeal for information.

Brian McKandie was found dead in his home at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, Rothienorman, on Saturday, March 12, and is believed to have been attacked sometime on the Friday or Saturday.

Three months on, officers investigating his murder have again appealed for anyone with information that may assist to get in touch.

Detective chief inspector Iain Smith said: "We are now almost three months on from when Mr McKandie was murdered and we would like to repeat our appeals to the public for assistance.

"House-to-house enquiries are almost concluded with over 1000 people seen who live within a few miles of Mr McKandie's home.

"Sightings of various makes and models of vehicles have been reported along with descriptions of drivers and callers to Mr McKandie's address on Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12, and investigations continue to identify the individuals concerned but a number remain unidentified.

"There is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday, March 11, of two males seen speaking to deceased at his address."

Police say the men have been broadly described as a heavy built older man, possibly aged between 30 and 50 and a much thinner, younger man believed to be around 20 to 30.

Mr Smith said: "Also there is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday, March 11, of a burgundy or maroon coloured 'boxy' estate car at the locus, with one of these witnesses describing it having a different shade on the rear passenger side panel.

"These two males and the car remain unidentified, as do a number of other persons who may have attended at the address to speak to Mr McKandie.

"It is believed that Mr McKandie may have known his attacker through either friendship, business or through a third party he has been introduced to.

"A large customer base that used Mr McKandie's services as a mechanic has been identified during the enquiry, but we believe others have not come forward to date."

Police would like a number of people to come forward, including any of the victim's customers, friends or acquaintances who have not yet spoken to police.

They would also like anyone who attended Mr McKandie's address on either of the days in question, or can identify the men, to come forward.

Officers are also asking anyone who knows of anyone who may have borne malice towards the victim, or who has concerns about any changes of behaviour of anyone linked to the investigation to contact them.

Urging members of the public to offer any information Mr Smith added: "Whilst they may not necessarily think it is beneficial or relevant to the investigation, please report it and let us make that judgement."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.