Police have revealed that clothes and a half-eaten meal found on the foreshore near Arbroath last weekend are linked to their ongoing search for missing Montrose man Ian Low.
The Courier can reveal that a major coastal search, sparked by reports of a body being seen in the sea, is tied to the hunt for Mr Low, 59, who has not been seen for more than a week.
It is now understood that the search and rescue operation north of Arbroath on Saturday led to the significant development of the discovery of the missing man’s car at Auchmithie, along with other items belonging to him. The remains of a McDonald’s takeaway, a pair of glasses and a jacket were found on the shore.
The Montrose flat of Mr Low, who has spent time in London and the Philippines, was the subject of a police raid on the morning of his disappearance.
The man leading the inquiry, Angus police commander Chief Inspector Gordon Milne, renewed an appeal for information on Mr Low’s last known movements and confirmed that officers are now linking the events of last weekend.
He said: “The matter has involved extensive inquiries and I can confirm we are investigating a link between Mr Low’s disappearance, the matter subsequently reported to us in relation to items found on the coast near Arbroath and the search of a property in Montrose under warrant on August 2.
“Several lines are being followed but I would stress that at this stage the matter remains a missing person inquiry and, until the whereabouts of Ian Low are known, that will remain the situation.”
Mr Low was last seen in the town on August 2 and was subsequently reported missing by concerned family members.
The Courier yesterday revealed that on the morning of his disappearance his home was searched by police executing a warrant.
A number of items were removed from the property and neighbours have suggested his Rover car was also searched.
Police confirmed the operation but said no one has been arrested or charged at this stage of the inquiry.
Less than 24 hours after the last sighting of Mr Low, a major multi-agency search was mounted off the Angus coast near Arbroath. It was sparked at around 6.30pm on Saturday when a member of the public reported seeing what they believed to be a body in the water close to cliffs north of the town.
The four-hour search found nothing of note. It resumed the following morning but was scaled down after some three hours.
Family liaison officers are offering support to relatives during the inquiry. Mr Low is thought to have a brother locally and is also understood to have a wife from the Philippines and a son.
He is described as being around 5ft 9in, of slim build, with short greying hair.
Anyone with information relating to the inquiry should call the police on 101.
gbrown@thecourier.co.uk