An investigation has been launched into the death of an 80-year-old man at his home in Inverness-shire.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) has been asked to examine the circumstances leading up to an incident on February 15.
Few details have been released about the man’s death but it is understood to have involved a firearm.
A spokeswoman for the Pirc said: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Office has directed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of an 80-year-old man who was discovered at his home in Inverness-shire on February 15.”
She added that the man’s family had been informed of the investigation.
A police spokeswoman said: “Following the death of an 80-year-old man in the Inverness-shire area on Sunday February 15, Police Scotland can confirm that the matter has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for an independent investigation of the police handling of the incident. A further statement will be considered on the conclusion of the review.”
She said it would be “inappropriate to comment any further” until the review was complete.
The Pirc investigates deaths which involved direct or indirect contact with the police.
But the commissioner can also be asked to investigate when there is an indication that a serving officer has committed an offence or any allegation of misconduct.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to investigate the circumstances of an incident on February 15 in Inverness-shire on our behalf.
“As this is a live investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further.”