A murder suspect was being guarded by police in hospital last night after a man died during a disturbance in Aberdeen.
The 26-year-old victim, named locally as Robert Reid, was found dead in a flat in the Mastrick area of the city early yesterday.
It is believed he had been stabbed.
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Police last night confirmed they had launched a murder inquiry, but assured residents it was an “isolated incident”.
It is understood the suspect is currently in hospital under police guard, and has yet to be charged or cautioned.
Emergency services were called to Arnage Place at about 5am after “concerns” were raised about a man.
They discovered Mr Reid inside a flat, but he could not be saved.
Loved ones of Mr Reid, including his wife Jackie Hanratty, gathered outside the flat yesterday before being led away, visibly distressed.
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Several streets in the area were cordoned off throughout the day, while search teams scanned bushes, gardens and bins.
Forensic teams, wearing white bodysuits, hoods and masks could be seen examining the property on Arnage Place and another on Willowbank Place, while plain clothed officers carried out door-to-door inquires.
Local residents said there had been a disturbance in the area at about 1.30am.
Detective Inspector Gary Winter, from the major investigation team, said those reports would be investigated and followed up as part of the inquiry.
He refused to disclose if a weapon had been used, but stressed it was a “contained” incident and that the public were not at risk – despite nobody yet being detained.
He said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a man in the Mastrick area of Aberdeen.
“Officers were called to a property in Arnage Place at around 5am following concerns for a 26-year-old male.
“Police and Scottish Ambulance Service attended and discovered the body of a male within. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and it is believed to be at this time the man that concern had been expressed about.
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“A major investigation has been established into the full circumstances of the murder and it is ongoing at this time, and as always we will appeal for information from the public.
“We’re doing house-to-house inquiries, and one of the questions we’ll be asking is if they’re aware of any disturbances from late on Tuesday night or early yesterday morning – anything out of the ordinary that they saw that might be able to help with our inquiries.
“There is no doubt this incident will cause concern among the local community but I would like to stress we are treating it as an isolated and contained matter.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience throughout the day today and the forthcoming days where we will be conducting the usual house-to-house inquiries, CCTV inquires in the area and the forensic examination.”
It is understood Mr Reid married Ms Hanratty last year.
Ms Hanratty is thought to be a cousin of Granite City boxer Lee McAllister, who announced his return to the ring yesterday.
Members of the McAllister family were among those gathered at the scene yesterday, but declined to speak about the tragedy.
