A major investigation was under way last night after the discovery of a man's body in a house in Aberdeen.

The body was found by police officers early yesterday afternoon in Kettlehills Crescent in Northfield.

Officers went to the house after being contacted by someone concerned for the welfare of the man and broke down his door.

It is understood he had been shot, and detectives were examining the possibility of a link to the drugs trade.

Grampian Police said officially the death was being treated as suspicious, and that around 50 officers were involved in the case.

Detective Superintendent Alan Smith, the senior investigating officer, said: "Efforts are being made to establish the identity of the man so that his family can be informed." He declined to give further details about the death.

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out and a report will be submitted to the procurator-fiscal.

Mr Smith added: "A major investigation is under way and is at its very early stages. The house is being treated as a crime scene and is subject to a full forensic examination.

"Officers have been carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area and this will continue tomorrow."

Northfield, in the north-west of the city, is one of Aberdeen's most deprived communities. Five years ago, the area's biggest school, Northfield Academy, became the first school in Scotland to have its own dedicated full-time police officer in an attempt to help steer children away from crime, curb bullying, and reduce antisocial behaviour.