| Ann Robb (82), of Leuchars, was one of two pensioners missing in the north east Fife area who police were hunting for over the past week.
On Saturday morning, her body was found under a bridge over the River Eden in the neighbouring village of Guardbridge.
Police today confirmed the body of the man found yesterday is that of George Patrick (70) of Cupar.
Mrs Robb’s son Ian (50) has thanked police and the local community saying, “The family are extremely happy with the search carried out.
“Both the police and the local community did a fantastic job and it put my faith back into humanity.”
Mrs Robb went missing on January 11, and over the past week, as the area was hit by sub-zero temperatures, there had been an intensive search for both her and Mr Patrick, who disappeared a few days earlier.
The grim discovery in Guardbridge was made as police continued their search of river and its banks, and a unit from Fife Fire and Rescue Service was called out to help them in recovery of the body.
Mrs Robb, who had suffered from early stages of dementia, had also gone missing without medicine for her angina.
She still led a very active life, was a regular attender at St Athernase Church in Leuchars, and frequently travelled around the area by bus.
The search for Mr Patrick had continued after a week and a half in which his son Joe, who had flown from his home in France, and his daughter Pauline had worked tirelessly circulating flyers, speaking to people, and following up every possible lead.
Mr Patrick was a retired chief technician who had worked at RAF Leuchars.
The search for both pensioners involved intensive police activity including door-to-door checks, interviews with shoppers and businesses in the north Fife area, and the setting up of vehicle check points.
The force also used specially-trained dogs, over fifty personnel from RAF Leuchars helped to comb areas like Tentsmuir Forest, and the RAF Mountain Rescue team was involved along with specially trained dogs.
Mr Patrick’s body was discovered in woodland close to where he was last seen at St Michaels.
Eastern Division Inspector Bruce Thomson, said, “We are treating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of both the man and woman’s body as being not suspicious at present.
“However, a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal concerning both discoveries, which is normal practice.” |
