River searched in bid to find pensioner missing since Friday

The River Dee has been searched by police looking for a pensioner missing since Friday in Dumfries and Galloway.

Joyce Kirkland was last seen around 10pm on March 12, in Kirkcudbright where officers have focused their search around the harbour area.

Coastguard teams have also assisted with searches around coastal areas.

Ms Kirkland was reported missing at 4.50am on Saturday, March 13, and police remain concerned for the 72-year-old’s welfare.

She is described as around 5ft 6in tall, of medium build and with grey shoulder length hair. She is thought to have been wearing a black puffa jacket and blue tracksuit bottoms.

Ms Kirkland, who has mobility issues related to her knees, was last seen in a house on Rankine Place, Buchanan Street, Kirkcudbright.

Chief inspector Bryan Lee, local area commander, said: “Joyce’s family have been kept fully informed with our enquiries and we remain very concerned for Joyce’s welfare.

“We know the local community have supported our search efforts and we are thankful to them, and our partners, for assisting with the investigation.

“We believe Joyce left the address on foot and could have walked to the harbour area. Despite the early hours of the morning I’d urge anyone who may have seen Joyce out walking, or who may have seen her since, to get in touch so we can understand her movements.

“I’d urge anyone with private CCTV covering the route Joyce may have taken, to check their systems and provide any relevant footage to officers as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0645 of March 13, 2021.