Tragic: Janet McKay, 88, suffered dementia and was considered vulnerable.
Police have apologised after they ignored a tip-off about a missing elderly woman with dementia – days before she was found dead.
The body of vulnerable Janet McKay, 88, was discovered today in the Clydebank area of Glasgow, a week after she disappeared.
She had left her home in the Knightswood area of the city last Wednesday and her family had not heard from her since.
But tonight it emerged Police Scotland were contacted with a possible sighting of Mrs McKay last Friday – but failed to pass it on to call handlers or the relevant officers.
The case bears tragic similarities with the botched investigation into a car crash which killed John Yuill and Lamara Bell on the M9.
Police Scotland ignored a 101 report of a vehicle leaving the motorway.
John, 28, died at the scene, but Lamara drifted in an out of consciousness for 72 hours before police followed up another report and attended the scene.
She died in hospital four days later.
Her family have launched legal action against Police Scotland and are expected to win a six-figure sum in compensation.
This morning the force confirmed they had found a body believed to be Mrs McKay outdoors in Clydebank.
A post-mortem exam is to be carried out but the death is not being treated as suspicious.
However, tonight the force apologised over the missed sighting.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Andy Bates said a second possible sighting on Tuesday was correctly passed to the team.
An independent review into how the potentially crucial first report was missed is underway.
Ch Supt Andy Bates said: “I would like to apologise to the family for any distress caused at this difficult time and take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family and friends and thank those members of the public who supported the search for Janet.
“This incident has now been referred by Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for investigation.”
Source Daily Mirror
