Roger Gray: Man in court over lecturer's death

Roger Gray lived in Edinburgh's Merchiston Crescent

A 20-year old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of an Edinburgh university lecturer.

Roger Gray, 64, a Heriot-Watt University maths lecturer, was found at his home in Merchiston Crescent at the weekend, with multiple stab wounds.

Pawel Rodak appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

No plea or declaration was made on his behalf and the case was continued for further inquiry. Mr Rodak, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody.

He was also charged with culpable and reckless conduct and endangering the lives of people in the building and surrounding area.

Two cyclists

Meanwhile, Lothian and Borders Police are calling for a man and a woman seen cycling on Merchiston Crescent, at its junction with West Castle Road, about 0130 GMT on Saturday to come forward.

Detectives want to trace the pair to establish whether they have any information that can assist their inquiries into Mr Gray's death.

Both were wearing sleeveless yellow reflective tops, with diagonal stripes, and both had panniers on their bikes.

The man is described as white, between 40 and 45 years old, 6ft (1.83m) tall, and of medium build.

The woman is described as white, 35 to 40 years old, 5ft 4in to 5ft 5in (1.37m to 1.4m) tall, with long dark hair tied up in a ponytail.

Det Ch Insp Gareth Blair, who is leading the investigation, appealed for the pair to come forward.