A MURDER investigation has been launched after the death of a 38-year-old father of two in Kelty.

Police went to an address in Keltyhill Avenue around 11.00am on Wednesday following a call from the Scottish Ambulance Service, stating that Colin Oliphant required urgent medical attention.

He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene and following a post mortem examination it has been established that he was attacked beforehand, sustaining a number of injuries to his body.

Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team are now leading the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death and identify whoever was responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown said: "The call was made to the ambulance service by the person who was with Colin at the time.

"It's important to the investigation and indeed to give Colin's family some understanding of the events that led to his death and to consider the circumstances.

"I would appeal to the community to come forward and engage with the police and if they have seen Colin in this particular area of the community or with any persons or any information they may have in relation to this to bring that forward and give us an understanding of what they may hold in terms of information, regardless of whether they think it's small or insignificant. Allow the police to be the judge of that and we will investigate and understand the information within the context of the investigation."

He refused to provide any details into the nature of Mr Oliphant's death.

"I wouldn't specify the exact nature of any injuries, but I would say that Colin has received significant injuries that have led to his death.

"What I can say is that a murder in any community will have some form of impact and such acts should not be tolerated in any way irrespective of where or when they happen."

He added that the 38-year-old stayed in a 'nearby town', adding that his family have been left devastated.

"Understandably, the family are extremely distressed as a result of the nature of Colin's death, as would be the case in any such circumstances.

"A 38-year-old dying is obviously a very untimely death.

"My focus will be on the movements of Colin and Colin's lifestyle to gain a wider understanding. I've got an interest in speaking to anybody who knew Colin, his movements over that period of that time and who may have any information which may assist this investigation.

"When I say lifestyle, I mean his life pattern over the days and weeks that led to his death.

"It's very important we understand how Colin went about his daily business and who he associated with so we can understand Colin as a person.

"Our focus at this time is to trace the person responsible for Colin's death."      

Those with information can contact the Major Investigation Team via 101 and quote incident 1047 of the 6th September. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.