A BODY which was found by a dog walker at the weekend in Castle Semple Loch has been confirmed as being that of missing pensioner Allan Burns, police have said.

The 71-year-old from Kilbarchan had been missing since Friday, January 18, when he was last seen on the cycle track between Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch.

On Sunday, the month-long search for Mr Burns, who suffered from dementia, came to an end after a dog walker came across a body at the loch just before 9am.

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Police have confirmed this morning the body is that of Mr Burns, following formal identification, reports our sister title The Gazette.

Sergeant Barry McNaught, who has been liaising with Mr Burns’ family throughout the search, has thanked the public for their help throughout the past month.

He said: “A body was discovered by a dog walker who was passing by at about 8.50am on Sunday. Formal identification that the body is Allan’s has now taken place.

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“We required a boat to get out to the body. The fire service provided this and the ambulance service also attended.

“We are very grateful to the public, particularly residents in Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan, for assisting us in this search.”

Police have said they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Burns. A post mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.