The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
People warned to avoid part of St Andrews coast as missing student search continues.
SEARCH: Police issue 'stay away' request as inquiries continue following discovery of human remains on town's foreshore
People were told to avoid a section of the St Andrews coast as police scoured the area following the discovery of human remains.
A member of the public made the grim discovery on Sunday at West Sands, close to where missing student Duncan Sim, 19, was last seen on March 14.
Duncan’s family have been informed of the developments. However, the remains have yet to be identified.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police in Fife are conducting search activity in St Andrews today after what is believed to be human remains were discovered within the water on Sunday evening. The activity will focus in the area of coastline adjacent to The Scores and the public are asked to avoid the area where possible.”
As they face an anxious wait for further news, Duncan’s family has been contacted by St Andrews University staff, who have offered their support.
In a letter to staff and students, the university’s principal, Professor Sally Mapstone, said: “All will be affected by this development and the media coverage which is already accompanying it, and I know everyone will be thinking today of Duncan’s family, and what they have been through these past three months.
“Our student services staff are in close touch with his family and offering all appropriate support.”
Duncan was last seen just after 11pm on Wednesday March 14 after leaving a social event at Madras Rugby Club.
The alarm was raised after the chemistry undergraduate from Duns in the Borders failed to arrive back at his student accommodation.
He was last seen on CCTV near the Eden Clubhouse on St Andrews Links.
Prof Mapstone said: “Police Scotland are undertaking formal identification, but have been in touch with Duncan’s parents Sheila and Gordon at their home in Berwickshire. It may take several days before any further comment can be given.
“I know this immensely sad news will touch many people in our community, in the town and far beyond.”
Students, townsfolk and Duncan’s friends from both St Andrews and Duns turned out to support the search effort.
“The response to Duncan’s disappearance over two months ago was a typically selfless desire to help,” said Prof Mapstone.
“The volunteer searches were supported by hundreds of our own students and staff, many individuals and businesses from the town, and large groups of Duncan’s friends from around his home in Duns.”