Family ‘devastated’ after body of man missing for month found at his home

The family of a man whose body was found at his house a month after he was reported missing have said they are “devastated'' at their loss.

Arnold Mouat was found dead in his home in Bo'ness on Saturday.

The 64-year-old was reported missing on July 7 having been last seen by his family the previous day in his house in Panbrae Road

A large-scale search was held in a bid to find him, involving divers, mountain rescue and police dogs.

The police watchdog, Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), is investigating the response to the missing person investigation.

In a statement issued through PIRC, the family of Arnold Mouat said: “As a family we are devastated by the loss of a loving husband and father and we are now trying to come to terms with what has happened.

“We would like to thank everyone for the support we have received over these last few difficult weeks but would now ask for our privacy to be respected so that we have the time and space to grieve in peace.''

Mr Mouat's death is being treated as unexplained but the circumstances are not thought to be suspicious and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

After the body was found, Police Scotland said it had referred its handling of the case to the watchdog.

A PIRC spokesman said: “The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is conducting an investigation into the response from Police Scotland to the missing person investigation for Arnold Mouat following a referral from Police Scotland.

“Mr Mouat, 64, was last seen at his home address in Panbrae Road, Bo'ness on the evening of Thursday 6 July 2017. His body was found on Saturday, 5 August 2017 at his home.

“The PIRC investigation will focus on the initial response from Police Scotland including the search of his home address.

“This investigation is in the very early stages and a report will be sent to the Chief Constable in due course.'