Mystery after police officer found dead in Barry Burn river near famous Carnoustie Scottish golf course

'His death is a great tragedy and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him,' says colleague

Dean Morrison, 40, who was found dead near Carnoustie (Police Scotland)

A “highly respected” police officer has been found dead in the Barry Burn, near the Carnoustie Golf Links course in Scotland.

The body of PC Dean Morrison was recovered from the burn at about 12.40pm on Sunday.

Colleagues are treating the 16-year Tayside veteran’s death as unexplained.

Police Scotland said it was not thought to be suspicious.

The Barry Burn, a small river, runs through Carnoustie and forms part of the famous Open Championship golf course before flowing out to sea.

Officers investigating his death had previously appealed for a taxi driver to contact them as they pieced together PC Morrison’s last movements.

It is thought the 40-year-old was picked up by a taxi in Broughty Ferry near Dundee on Saturday night and then taken to Carnoustie, Angus.

Detective Inspector Ray Birnie said: “The taxi was a black people carrier-style vehicle, with a sliding rear door and an orange light on the roof.

“If this was you, or you know the identity of the taxi driver, then we need to speak to you urgently.

“Please get in touch with us on 101 quoting reference 1960 of 16 December.”

Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd, divisional commander for Tayside, said: “Dean was a highly respected officer, who was extremely well liked and popular with his colleagues. He was thoroughly professional in his work.

“His death is a great tragedy and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we will do all we can to support them during this distressing time.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Additional reporting by PA