Fresh probe over 'hit-and-run' death after police sent mystery letter

Police have been unable to trace anyone in connection with Ian Brown's death

Police Scotland has launched a fresh investigation into the death of a man who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run in South Ayrshire 13 years ago.

Ian Brown, 48, from Dailly, was found dead on the B734 at around 03:00 on Saturday, 28 July 2012.

Police pursued several lines of inquiry, but were unable to trace anyone or any vehicle in connection to Mr Brown's death.

They have now released details of an anonymous letter about the death which was sent to the force in 2013.

Det Supt Craig Riddell said: "Officers are determined to find out what happened to Ian Brown and provide answers for his family."

Mr Brown had been on a works day out in Girvan and left his colleagues around 00:20 to walk the seven-mile journey home.

There were possible sightings of him walking along the route, with the last confirmed just after 01:00. His movements between then and 03:00 remain unknown.

His body was discovered by a taxi driver.

The case will now be examined by a new team made up of road policing officers, local division staff and the major incident team following a review.

'Anonymous letter'

Det Supt Riddell said he hoped people with information on the incident would come forward, including the author of the anonymous letter.

"I believe there are those in the community who may have vital information which can assist our new investigation," he said.

"I would urge anyone who has information, even if they do not believe it to be significant, to get in touch with the inquiry team as a matter of urgency.

"In 2013 we received an anonymous letter which provided officers with useful information and I would appeal to the person who wrote that letter to contact me."

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The investigation team said their aim was to trace the vehicle involved and provide long-awaited answers to Mr Brown's relatives.