DETECTIVES launched a major investigation last night after the manager

of a gun shop in the centre of Dundee was found murdered in the shop.

The dead man was Mr William Johnstone, 53, who lived in Strathbeg

Place, Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.

Police were called to Gow's shop in Union Street shortly before 5pm.

They said initial inquiries revealed that the shop had apparently been

closed since the normal opening time of 9am.

Detective Chief Superintendent Craigie Fiskin said: ''We would like to

speak to a woman who saw a man running from the shop shortly before

10am.''

He added police were also anxious to trace anyone in Union Street

between 8.30am and 10.30am, and the owners of cars parked in the street

between that time.

Anyone in the vicinity who saw anything suspicious is urged to contact

Tayside police.

Within minutes of the alert, police sealed off the street and brought

in a mobile communications HQ.

Detectives began a forensic examination of the premises, and

door-to-door inquiries are being carried out.

Tayside Police said that other Scottish forces had been asked for

assistance as their inquiries into the murder continued throughout the

night.

One shop owner in Union Street said: ''The first I knew was when the

police arrived as most of us were preparing to close for the day.

''The gunsmith's shop seemed busy most days, but I never knew any of

the staff.''