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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Dresch

Police find dog's body in search for missing woman that was swept into river

Police searching for a woman swept away in a river while reportedly trying to save her dog have found the body of her pet.

Hazel Nairn, 71, was last seen in the River Don, near Monymusk in Aberdeenshire, at about 3.05pm on November 18, during heavy rain.

Her dog was found near the river on Wednesday and police are continuing the search for her.

Inspector Andrew Meikleham said: "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 advisers are being assisted by specialist resources, including the dive and marine unit, as we continue to search for Hazel."

The body of Hazel's dog Ruaridh has been found (Daily Record)
The 71-year-old was reportedly trying to save her pooch when she was swept away in the river (PA)

The level of flooding in the region hasn't been seen since Storm Frank in late 2015 to early 2016.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) told residents: "Take action now. Stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks.

“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”

It added that the highest risk was to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus.

An amber warning for rain was issued by the Met Office for the area amid warnings of flooding.

She was last seen in the River Don (Daily Record)

A candlelight vigil for Hazel was held at Monymusk Parish Church on Sunday evening as heartbroken community members came together.

Rev Euan Glen, who led the event, said: "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."

Monymusk Parish Church added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Hazel’s family during this terrible time.

“We light a candle and offer prayer for them all.”

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."

The Christmas lights switch-on event in Monymusk was cancelled out of respect for the pensioner.

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