The death of a Scots dad-of-three has been shrouded in mystery after he was found lying on a roadside in the Alps.

Richard Casher, 44, had been watching the Six Nations Scotland v England rugby match before he was discovered by a passer-by at the side of the road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It has been reported that he died of a cardiac arrest on the way to hospital.

A close friend of Mr Casher told the Daily Record: “There were no cars or anything involved.

“I know he was found at the side of the road and it’s cold out there. He’s a mountain man and an excellent skier – he would have been dressed for the weather.

“He could have slipped over and hit his head. It looks like it was an accident.”

Mr Casher, who was brought up in Stonehaven and Aberdeen, set up his business selling British goods in Bourg St Maurice after moving to the French Alps town ten years ago. He lived in the town with his partner and their three daughters.

His friend added: “He was the best. He was a very special guy.

“You won’t hear a bad story about him. It’s tragic.

“It was terrible news to find out.”