Month-long hunt... then police f ind man’s body in his home
Probe into handling of case
A MAN reported missing who police had been trying to find for more than four weeks has been found dead in his home.
Police Scotland is now facing yet another watchdog investigation over efforts to trace Arnold Mouat, whose body was discovered at his house in Bo’ness, near Falkirk, on Saturday.
The force deployed search and rescue officers, dog units, mountain rescue teams and divers in the search for the 64-year-old during a large scale, monthlong hunt.
But the search for the married fatherof-four concluded at the weekend as officers returned to his home address – where he was last seen 30 days earlier – and found his body. Now the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) has launched an official inquiry into the crisis-hit force’s handling of the case. It is the latest in a string of inquiries that include concerns about alleged failures to respond to calls properly and also comes as the force’s Chief Constable, Phil Gormley, confirmed he is facing a Pirc misconduct probe into allegations he bullied a senior officer who worked in his private office.
Mr Mouat, originally from Aith in the Shetland Islands, was reported missing on July 7, sparking a major police search.
The police effort was aided by a local media campaign, while more than 50 community volunteers searched areas where he was known to enjoy walking his dog.
At one stage, the search for Mr Mouat even extended into the neighbouring West Lothian area, with officers urging residents to check outhouses, gardens and garages for the missing man.
But despite combing Bo’ness and the surrounding areas, Mr Mouat was found by police officers at his large detached home at around 2.45pm on Saturday.
Forensic teams were still gathering evidence from the house, which overlooks the Firth of Forth, yesterday.
Police Scotland said it had referred its own handling of the case to the Pirc, which yesterday confirmed an official inquiry had been launched. A Pirc spokesman said: ‘We are conducting an investigation into the response from Police Scotland to the missing person investigation for Arnold Mouat following a referral from Police Scotland. This investigation is in the very early stages and a report will be sent to the Chief Constable in due course.’
This will bring the number of current ongoing Pirc investigations to 21.
Mr Mouat’s death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Police Scotland’s Superintendent Martin Fotheringham said: ‘This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Mouat family as they come to terms with their loss.
‘Following a review of our response to this incident, Police Scotland has referred this matter to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
‘We will provide them with all the necessary assistance and support they require.’
He added: ‘I would like to thank those members of the public and media who responded to our appeal for information, in particular those who assisted with searching for Mr Mouat.
‘We are continuing to support Mr Mouat’s family with dedicated family liaison officers and will offer any assistance we can.’
‘Investigation is in early stages’ ‘Supporting Mr Mouat’s family’