BRIAN Cowan, a former star of River City has died aged 58. 

Tributes have been paid to the soap star who appeared as Murray Crozier in the BBC Scotland drama. 

Tom Urie, best known for his turn as Martin in Still Game, said on Twitter: "So sad to hear of the passing of my River City colleague Brian Cowan. He was a lovely man and a great actor."

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Cowan was found dead on Saturday afternoon at his home near Falkirk.

He was discovered after friends had unsuccessfully attempted to contact him, the Scottish Sun reports.

He played DCS Brian Holmes in Taggart from 1993 and 2005 and also featured in EastEnders, Silent Witness, Casualty and The Bill. 

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and that the Procurator Fiscal has been informed.