Police have stepped up their investigation into the murder of a pensioner in his own home in March after fresh DNA evidence surfaced.

Brian McKandie, 67, was beaten to death with a heavy weapon at his remote cottage near the village of Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, six months ago.

Over the weekend, officers have been on patrol in Rothienorman and have been speaking to locals.

They have yet to establish a motive for the murder but revealed on Wednesday they had recovered new forensic evidence at Mr McKandie's home.

Police are searching for a match on the evidence from a European database.

Officers are also trying to trace two men seen outside his home along with a maroon coloured car on Friday, March 11, between 1.30pm and 2pm.

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.