Police searching for a Scots mum have recovered the body of her dog she was reportedly trying to save before she was swept away in a river.
Hazel Nairn was last seen in the water at the River Don, near Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, on Friday afternoon as the region was battered by heavy rain. The 71-year-old had been trying to get home with her beloved dog when tragedy struck and she ended up being washed away.
Officers have now confirmed the body of the dog was found near the river on Wednesday. Police are continuing their efforts to find the much-loved grandmother with the specialist Dive and Marine unit drafted in to help.
Inspector Andrew Meikleham said: “Police are continuing to carry out searches and conduct enquiries to trace 71-year-old Hazel Nairn, who was last seen in the water in the River Don, near to Monymusk around 3.05pm on Friday, November 18.
“Searches are being carried out from the area where Hazel was last seen downstream towards Aberdeen.
“Due to the deteriorating weather that afternoon, Hazel had been trying to get home safely from the village of Monymusk along with her dog. The body of Hazel’s dog was found near to the river on Wednesday, November 23.
“Local officers and search advisors are being assisted by specialist resources including the Dive and Marine Unit as we continue to search for Hazel.”
A candlelight vigil, dubbed ‘Hope for Hazel’ was held at Monymusk Parish Church on Sunday evening as heartbroken community members came together.
Rev Euan Glen, who led the event, previously told the Record: "Hazel is well-liked so we are expecting a fairly big crowd this evening.
"We are going to hear some music then everyone in the church will be invited to light a candle in the hope for Hazel to be found. We will then hear one of her favourite pieces of music, which incidentally is Candle In The Wind.
"There will then be a short prayer and a period of quiet reflection. She is well-known - it's been a very sad time for everyone in the community."
Local MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie, said: "The deep sadness everyone is feeling right now for Hazel is, I know, nothing to that being felt by her closest friends and family in and around the Monymusk community."
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