Hunt for missing GP ends in tragedy after body found in woods
the body of a doctor who went missing a week ago was yesterday discovered in woodland.
dr george Porteous was last seen leaving the medical practice he worked at in Lockerbie, dumfriesshire, last tuesday.
the 51-year-old gP’s disappearance had sparked a huge search involving police, mountain rescue teams and an inshore rescue boat.
his car was found two days later near the village of Beeswing, 20 miles from Lockerbie and seven miles from his home at Islesteps, near dumfries. the search for dr Porteous continued over the weekend and police divers trawled Loch arthur near Beeswing.
Police last night confirmed that his body was found in a wooded area near the village around 11am yesterday.
a spokesman said: ‘the body has now been identified as that of dr Porteous and his family have been informed of this development.
‘there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
‘our thoughts are with the friends and family of alex at this time and we also want to take the opportunity to thank the public for their assistance during this search.’
Locals had said that dr Porteous was married with a young family. dr grecy Bell, deputy medical director of dumfries and galloway health and Social Care Partnership, said: ‘all our thoughts are with dr Porteous’s family and those who were involved in the search.
‘We are grateful to local gPs, pharmacists and the wider multi-disciplinary staff who have volunteered to step in and support the practice team and patients at Lockerbie practice.
‘dumfries and galloway health and Social Care Partnership are providing support to the practice team at this difficult time.’