Fresh DNA evidence has been recovered from the home of a pensioner who was murdered six months ago.

Mechanic Brian McKandie was beaten to death with a heavy weapon at his remote cottage near Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire in March.

On Wednesday, police revealed they were searching for a match from a European database after the new forensic evidence was found.

Officers have been unable to establish a motive but have been trying to trace two men seen outside his home along with a maroon coloured car.

Detective chief inspector Iain Smith said: "An extensive forensic examination of Brian's address has resulted in the recovery of forensic evidence.

"We are keen to identify anyone who knew Brian, was a customer of his or frequented his address for any reason.

"Despite repeated appeals and being six months on we are still identifying new customers all the time.

"If you are aware of anyone who was a customer of Brian's, please let us know and we can quickly check as to whether we have spoken to them"

Mr McKandie's brother, William, issued an emotional, appeal saying his family was at a loss as to why anyone would want him dead.

He said: "It has been almost six months since Brian was murdered and it is still incredibly difficult without him, especially given the circumstances in which he died.

"Brian was a hard-working, private man and we cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt him.

"He had a quiet and unassuming personality and didn't have a lot of close friends but he had a great many acquaintances and was very well known in the area having lived there his whole life.

"He was a busy mechanic and he was known for doing a good job and many people came to his property to get work done on their vehicles.

Mr McKandie added: "We would like to directly appeal to the public and in particular to those who knew Brian to contact the police.

"A small piece of information which may seem irrelevant could make all the difference.

"Somebody must know what happened to Brian and we would ask them to look to their conscience and call the police.

"We have lost our brother and we just want to know what happened and why."

Police said they were keen to identify two men seen outside the victim's address between 1.30pm and 2pm on Friday, March 11.

The first man is described as being between 40 and 50, with a heavy build and dark hair.

The second man is described as being between 20 and 30, of thin build, with blonde hair, which was possibly collar length.

They are also looking to trace a "boxy" red or burgundy coloured estate care seen outside Mr McKandie's address.

Mr Smith said: "This type of crime is very unusual in the north east and has obviously been extremely distressing for Brian's family as well as the wider community.

"Over the weekend there will be additional patrols carried out in the Rothienorman area and the Police Incident Van will be at Brian's address.

"We would encourage anyone with information to contact police or speak to any officer there."

Police can be contacted on 101. Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information that can lead to conviction and can be contacted on 0800 555 111.