Murder theory over missing biker

Mr Alexander's distinctive leathers have still not been traced

Detectives probing the disappearance of a man almost eight years ago now believe he was murdered.

Tayside Police said they had received information which led them to believe Adam Alexander had been killed.

The keen motorcyclist failed to keep an appointment to sell his bike at his home in Errol on 14 November 1999 and has not been seen since.

Police said they were convinced a "number of people" had information about the 46-year-old's disappearance.

They added that the case had never been closed and several lines of enquiry were being investigated.

In particular, detectives were trying to explain the last movements of Mr Alexander's car.

The black Volvo was seen being driven in Perth in the days following his disappearance.

It was spotted parked in Taymount Terrace on Wednesday 17 November, before being driven at speed into Hamilton Place.

Forensic testing

Residents reported it to police two days later, who took the car away for forensic testing.

Det Ch Insp Roddy Ross said: "We need to know what it was doing in the area and who was driving it.

"If Adam himself was driving or using the vehicle then it would appear that he knew someone in the area.

"We carried out door-to-door enquiries at the time, but couldn't establish why his car was there."

We are convinced that a number of people have information about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and, for their own reasons, have not yet come forward DCI Roddy Ross

Police have also appealed for help to find Mr Alexander's motorcycle leathers.

DCI Ross said: "The iXS make of leathers are fairly distinctive. They are red, black and white in colour and Adam was photographed wearing them on a number of occasions.

"If anyone knows where they might be now I would urge them to get in touch with us."

"We are convinced that a number of people have information about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and, for their own reasons, have not yet come forward."

About a dozen police officers have been dedicated to the investigation.

A special Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (Holmes) unit has been set up in Perth to assist the team.

Officers have also set up an appeal for information on the popular internet site MySpace.