New search for mum who vanished aged 17 in 1976

Mary Duncan was 17 years old when she vanished from her home.

Police investigating the disappearance of a young mum 44 years ago are to search a residential area.

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

No trace of Mary, who had a baby daughter, has ever been found.

In August, police said a search was taking place in the grounds of Vale of Leven hospital.

They revealed on Monday that it was now being expanded into a residential area of Helensburgh.

Detective superintendent Calum Young said: “This latest development is due to extensive enquiries carried out in an attempt to find any indication of where Mary could be.

“This new site is within a residential area and as such I would like to stress that any disruption to local residents must be kept to a minimum.”