Officers investigating the murder of Peter Coshan, 75, have recovered the body of a man in Northumberland.
The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington this morning (Sunday, 4 September).
He is still to be formally identified but Mr Coshan’s family has been made aware.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time and we are continuing to provide them with support.
“I would like to take the opportunity to pass on our thanks to everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”
Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection. Both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Detectives investigating the murder of Peter Coshan are appealing for information to trace the movements of a motor vehicle in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland area of England between Monday, 15 Aug, 2022 and Tuesday, 16 Aug, 2022.
They are particularly interested in sightings of an older style dark coloured Vauxhall Vectra, with a 57 registration plate, as enquiries continue to find Peter.
Detectives believe the movements of this vehicle are central to the investigation and are appealing for the public’s help in trying to find out more about them.
Officers are urging people to think back and consider if they saw something unusual during the hours of darkness on Mon, 15 Aug, and Tues, 16 Aug, in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland areas.
Police have set up a portal that gives the public access to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team. You can remain anonymous when submitting information.
Peter was last seen in the Seafield Rd area of Leith, Edinburgh around 11.50pm on Thurs, 11 Aug, and was reported missing the next day.
Peter, of Edinburgh, is believed to be dead and officers are treating his death as murder. However, his body is yet to be recovered.
Peter’s family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is obviously a very distressing time for Peter’s family and our priority is to find him.
“I am therefore seeking the public’s help in trying to find Peter’s body.
“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, including travelling on the A7, the A68 or any others roads in these areas, during the hours of darkness on Monday, 15 August, and Tuesday, 16 August.”
Anyone with info call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1745 of 12 August. Information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have today been connected via rail for the first time in almost decades thanks to new services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE).
The train company has launched five services per day (Monday to Saturday) in both directions, calling at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington.
The introduction of the new services means that for the first time in decades, communities in Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick and Dunbar now have a rail link, providing new journey opportunities for residents between towns in the regions and into Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that, as of today, communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland are connected once again, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers onboard.
“Working with Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership we’re delighted that these additional services will now significantly improve connectivity on this route, providing communities with enhanced access to work, education and leisure opportunities.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are vital in connecting communities and empowering our towns and cities to flourish, which is why we have announced our historic £96bn Integrated Rail Plan to help level up the North and Midlands.
“It’s fantastic that Transport Scotland and the Rail North Partnership have come together with TransPennine Express to launch these new services, which will bring people together, drive growth, and provide an important link between two of the UK’s greatest cities.”
Transport Minister Graeme Deysaid: “This is very good news for the local communities along the route and a great example of collaborative working.
“Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee,said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new TransPennine Express service which will help to improve connectivity for local people – particularly for communities in Northumberland.
“Better access to employment, education and leisure is a key objective of our regional Transport Plan, so I’m delighted to see this additional service begin.”
The new services will be operated by TPE’s modern, five carriage Nova 1 trains featuring spacious interiors, plenty of leg room, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to onboard entertainment system, Exstream.
Customers can travel with confidence onboard TPE’s services with enhanced cleaning in place to keep everyone safe. Face coverings must be worn on trains and at stations (unless exempt).
For those looking to travel, tickets can be purchased online via our website or using the TPExpress App where people can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.
E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.
