The “horrific” death of an elderly man following an incident in a quiet residential area of Oban is being treated as suspicious by police.
Officers were called to Dunollie in the town at 9.40am yesterday, where a 32-year-old man was arrested.
The victim, understood to be in his 70s, was taken by ambulance to Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban for treatment to serious injuries, but he could not be saved.
It is believed there was an altercation between neighbours, after the older man asked the younger to turn his music down.
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 9.40am on Monday October 1, police were called to a report of an elderly man being seriously injured during an altercation with another man in Columba Court, Oban.
“Emergency services attended and the victim was taken by ambulance to the Lorn and Islands Hospital where he died. Officers are treating his death as suspicious. The victim is still to be formally identified and a post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death.
“A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and inquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Oban CID via 101.”
An area around the homes off Castle Road was taped off all day yesterday, with police officers standing on the path.
Local people were in shock last night.
Councillor Julie McKenzie, of the Oban North and Lorn ward, said: “My sincerest condolences to the deceased gentleman’s loved ones at this difficult time.
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“This incident is shocking for the community of Oban. Dunollie is a quiet residential area of our town where my constituents care and look out for one another.
“It’s important at this time to avoid speculation and allow local police officers to carry out their investigation so that the perpetrator of this horrific crime can be brought to justice.”
Her fellow Oban councillor Roddy McCuish added: “Obviously I don’t now what the circumstances are. Whatever they may be it is absolutely horrific for something like this to have happened in Oban. Let’s hope the police do their job. It’s terrible.”
Marri Malloy, chairwoman of Oban Community Council, said: “It is very sad to think this has happened locally. I can’t believe that it happened in Oban. I know that sometimes the young people fight among themselves sometimes but I wouldn’t expect an elderly man and a 32-year-old to be involved. I can’t believe it.”
The flats in Columba Court are owned by West Highland Housing Association. Chief executive Lesley McInnes said: “Obviously we are sad to hear that this has happened in one of our properties. We don’t have any further information at the moment.”
