Police Failed To Pass On Sighting Of Missing OAP

Police Scotland is facing a new investigation after it admitted information it received on a missing pensioner was not passed on to officers looking for her.

A body believed to be that of 88-year-old Janet McKay has since been found.

The force says that a member of the public reported to the police a possible sighting two days after she disappeared last Wednesday, but that this wasn't given to the inquiry team.

Sky sources say this sighting was made by a dog walker but was eventually relayed third-hand to a junior officer.

It was only four days later, when officers were given further information about the sighting, that it was passed on.

Two days later, the woman's body was discovered in the Clydebank area. 

Police Scotland has apologised to Ms McKay's family.

The pensioner, who suffered from dementia, had disappeared from her home in the Knightswood area of Glasgow. 

The incident has now been referred to the force watchdog, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

It follows Police Scotland's failure in June to follow up the report of a crashed car in which John Yuill and his partner Lamara Bell had been travelling near Falkirk.

They lay undiscovered for three days before officers attended to the scene.

Ms Bell, 25, was alive when she was found but died later in hospital.

Police Scotland has faced fierce criticism for its failure and a review of force procedures has since been launched.

In a statement regarding Ms McKay, Divisional Commander Chief Supt Andy Bates said: "Since she was reported missing last Wednesday (16 September), an extensive investigation and search has been conducted by my officers throughout the local area.

"On Friday evening as part of our inquiries, a member of the public provided us with information of a possible sighting of the missing person.

"This information was not passed to the call handling centres nor was it passed to the inquiry team.

"On Tuesday (22 Sept) further information about this potential sighting was received through the call handling centre who immediately passed it to the inquiry team.

"Following further extensive inquiry a body was discovered. We have kept Janet's family fully informed.

"I would like to apologise to the family for any distress caused at this difficult time and take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family and friends and thank those members of the public who supported the search for Janet."