Police hunting killer of taxi driver 39 years ago to make TV appeal

A cheese wire was used in the attack on George Murdoch in 1983.

George Murdoch died in 1983 (Police Scotland/PA) (PA Media)

Police investigating the “senseless” murder of a taxi driver 39 years ago will make a television appeal as they try to trace a man who was seen wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt in 2015.

George Murdoch, known as Dod, was attacked with a cheese wire while working in Aberdeen on September 29 1983.

At 8.35pm on that Thursday evening, he told his control room he was heading to Culter, but never reached his destination.

The 58-year-old turned off on to Pitfodels Station Road, on the outskirts of the city near Deeside Railway Line, where he was attacked and later died.

Last month, Police Scotland issued an appeal for information as they try to trace a man who was seen wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt in Wilson’s Sports Bar on Market Street in Aberdeen in September 2015.

Officers believe the man may be able to help with their investigation.

On Tuesday morning, senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector James Callander, will speak on BBC’s Crimewatch Live to raise awareness about the appeal.

He said on Monday: “Regardless of how much time has passed, we continue to receive a positive response from members of the public from all around the world when we appeal for information about this senseless murder.

“Following our appeal last year, we now have information about a man we would like to speak to who may be able to assist with information about George’s murder.

“Hopefully, the national television appeal will give us the platform to reach someone who may be able to help us identify this man.

“We continue to receive information about what may have happened to George and any new information we do receive is thoroughly investigated.

“We are urging anyone who has not come forward previously who believes they can assist the investigation to contact 101 or e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk.”

No-one has ever been arrested in connection with the the murder of Mr Murdoch, and Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team continues to review and investigate the case.