City dad is stabbed to death amid ‘love triangle’ rumours

Brian Mair, 44, originally from Edinburgh, was killed late on Tuesday night in his flat in Howegate, Hawick.

A woman in the flat was also understood to have been hurt with a knife, but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Today, local residents were in shock after hearing about the killing, with some saying they had heard a fight in the building just before the incident. The owner of a local hairdressers, Split Endz, which is directly below Mr Mair’s flat, said she had spoken to Mr Mair just a few weeks ago.

Denise Tarker, who runs the salon, said: “They’re saying it was a love triangle. When I came in this morning the salon was cordoned off and there were forensics officers everywhere.

“We know he was from Edinburgh because a few weeks ago I went to tell him we were having a party in case it was a bit noisy, but he said he was going back up to Edinburgh to see his son.

“He said he was from there and that he had just moved into the flat last year.

“He was a nice guy, very quiet, and we didn’t have a lot to do with him.

“We saw a body get taken out at around 11am [on Wednesday]. Police said it had been horrific.”

Hairdresser Kev Pskes added: “It’s quite daunting to think that this has happened above our shop.”

A man, also believed to be from the Capital, has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder.

A police spokesman said: “A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a male in the Howegate area of Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

“Lothian and Borders Police launched a major investigation after the victim died from the injuries he sustained.”

The 44-year-old man is scheduled to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today.