Police search hospital for missing woman

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a young mother more than 40 years ago are to begin searching sites at a hospital.

Mary Duncan was 17 when she disappeared from her home in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, in 1976.

The teenager, who had a 13-monthold daughter, vanished after telling her family she was going to meet a friend.

Her daughter later died of natural causes.

No trace of Mary has ever been found despite extensive inquiries.

Police are now beginning to search a number of sites at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria, with the work starting yesterday.

Detective Superintendent Calum Young from West Dunbartonshire CID said that as she has not been heard of for more than 40 years police must consider the option that she may have come to harm.

He said: “Mary left her home at 17 years of age, with no money and has never claimed benefits, paid tax or national insurance.

“She also left behind her baby girl Laura, who family say she absolutely adored.

“Specialist officers will be searching a number of locations at the Vale of Leven Hospital in connection with the investigation.”

The detective said it is still a functioning hospital and disruption must be kept to an absolute minimum.

He added: “It is also vital that the search team are left to get on with this important work and any updates will be provided in due course.”

Police said searches at two sites will continue for a number of weeks.