News / Report highlights errors in Arnold Mouat search
AN INVESTIGATION into why police failed to find the body of Arnold Mouat in Bo’ness until a month after he went missing has ruled that officers did not carry out a “full and systematic” search for the Shetland man.
The body of 64 year old Mouat was found by a relative in his home property on Panbrae Road in Bo’ness in August last year.
Officers searched his address after he was reported missing in July but his body was not initially found.
The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) said in a report published today (24 April) that a more “thorough search” should have been carried out.
It has also issued a number of recommendations for Police Scotland when it comes to missing person searches.
Chief Superintendent Matt Richards apologised on behalf of Police Scotland and offered his “sincere condolences to the family and friends of Arnold Mouat”.
In response to the report, Mouat’s family said in a statement: “The past eight months have been incredibly difficult for our family as we have tried to come to terms with the loss of a loving father and husband.
“We are aware of the PIRC report and note that a number of recommendations have been made. Going forward we hope that Police Scotland will look carefully at these recommendations and that valuable lessons have been learned.
“As a family, we are grateful for the support we have received but we would now ask for our privacy to be respected to allow us to come to terms with our loss in peace.”
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