Banker Alistair Wilson was shot dead on the doorstep of his home

Mr Hirst wanted to recreate on canvas a photo showing forensic experts on the steps of victim Alistair Wilson's home.

Police investigating the shooting in the Highlands spoke out after it was revealed the artist had approached the photographer about using the image.

Northern Constabulary said the plan was "highly distressing".

The project by the artist, best known for exhibiting cows, sharks and sheep pickled in formaldehyde, was also criticised by the Scottish National Party MSP Fergus Ewing.

Lone gunman

A spokeswoman for Mr Hirst said that in light of the sensitivity of the situation the project had been dropped.

She did not say if the police force or members of the victim's family had contacted her since the plans were made public at the weekend.

The art of Damien Hirst is often controversial

The Turner Prize-winner had wanted the Nairn murder scene painting to be part of a new exhibition on photorealism, a technique made famous by 1960s artist Andy Warhol.

Mr Hirst's office contacted freelance photographer Peter Jolly last week to ask if the artist could reproduce the picture of forensic teams on the steps of the Wilsons' home.

The Bank of Scotland business manager was shot dead by a lone gunman in November.

Detectives remain baffled about the killing, despite two high-profile appeals on BBC's Crimewatch.

The murder weapon, a .25 calibre semi-automatic pistol, was later found in a drain nearly a mile from the murder scene at Crescent Road.