Murder probe as man found dead by partner

Alexander Duncan, 59, was found in his flat in Primrose Street, Leith, on Sunday night – but the last confirmed sighting of him was on Thursday.

Police have now launched a murder investigation and officers are trying to piece together Mr Duncan’s final movements.

The unemployed father-of-two was seen in the nearby Marksman pub on Duke Street with two women on Thursday afternoon.

His body was found with “a significant injury” at around 5pm on Sunday, after his partner returned to their home following a trip away.

Detective Inspector Martin MacLean said he “cannot rule out” the possibility that Mr Duncan could have been killed on Thursday evening.

He refused to give details of Mr Duncan’s injuries, but said he believed he had been murdered within the flat rather than elsewhere.

DI MacLean said: “We’re keen to speak with anyone who might know of Mr Duncan, who was known to locals as Addy, and his movements stretching from around about 5pm on Thursday, when we know he was in the Marksman bar in Duke Street. He was in the company of two women at that time. We know who these people are, but he may have been seen with these women after he left the Marksman and made his way home to this flat.”

DI MacLean said his officers were speaking to a “number of people” as part of their inquiries, but as yet there were no formal suspects. He said: “What we can’t pinpoint at this stage is when Mr Duncan was murdered. We need to establish his movements comprehensively from when he left the Marksman bar and made his way home until such time as his body was found.

“He has a son whom we are supporting. It’s hugely serious and tremendously distressing for the family.”

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the death of Mr ­Duncan, who has lived in north Edinburgh for most of his life.

Primrose Street resident Jane Young, 40, described him as a “really lovely guy”.

She said: “Addy was just Addy. He was one of a kind. We have known him for a long time. He was a decent, kind guy. He would go to the shop and buy sweets for the kids. He’s going to be sorely missed.”

Another local, who asked not to be named, said: “He was a nice man – it’s sad. It’s usually such a quiet street.”

Mr Duncan, who had lived at Flat 10, 3 Primrose Street since 2011, was last seen wearing a maroon zip-up jacket, a dark grey ribbed cardigan and a bright red shirt with white stripes, dark denim jeans and dark navy blue Fila trainers.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Duncan between Thursday night and Sunday night, or witnessed suspicious behaviour in and around Primrose Street, is asked to call police on 101.