Backlash from public and politicians following the tragic death of dementia pensioner Janet McKay

The 88-year-old dementia sufferer was found dead by police in Clydebank last Thursday morning — eight days after being reported missing from her home in Knightswood.

It is believed Mrs McKay’s body was discovered near to the Titan Crane at the former John Brown’s site, however Police Scotland have still not confirmed the location.

It has since been revealed that a sighting of the pensioner was reported to police two days after she went missing, but a young, inexperienced officer never passed this crucial information on to the call handling centre or inquiry team.

Police Scotland have apologised to the family of the pensioner and have referred the matter to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

Gail Casey, councillor for Clydebank Waterfront, said: “This is a very sad outcome for Mrs McKay and her family. A quicker response might have saved her.

“The reorganisation of the police force seems to be failing the public at the moment. I therefore welcome an inquiry into the delay in this case which has upset many people within the Clydebank and Knightswood communities.” The police have also been heavily criticised on social media for not launching a full scale search sooner, or acting upon the reported sighting.

Members of the public shared their views on the Clydebank Post’s Facebook page, including Mary Lennox who wrote: “I would want to know why it took so long to even find their first sighting...lots of questions need answering.” A Facebook group set up to help find Janet gathered more than 3,000 members and organised searches in Glasgow and Clydebank before Mrs McKay was found.

Kirsty Cook commented: “[This is] absolutely shocking. They should be ashamed. This poor lady could have been found safe but the worst has happened — they could and should have done way more.” Sheila Josey added: “Can I just say a massive thank you to the officers on the ground, they are not to blame for the failings of the force.

“The officers in Knightswood searched the area with the information they were given, it’s the organisational management of police Scotland that really need to take a good look at themselves and be ashamed.” Meanwhile, Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson said: “This is a terribly sad story and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mrs McKay’s family and friends.

“Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service have jointly asked the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to investigate and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details of the case while that is ongoing.

“However, we expect Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to rapidly review the circumstances of this case to ensure immediate lessons are learned where appropriate.” Michael Matheson MSP, justice secretary, explained: “It’s important that we allow them to undertake that investigation which will be directed by the Lord Advocate, who will ensure there is a thorough and timely investigation into this matter.” Whether or not Ms McKay would have been found alive if the sighting acted upon sooner is unknown, as details of a port-mortem have yet to be revealed.

The family is reportedly satisfied with Police Scotland’s efforts, with Mrs McKay’s son George saying: “We’ve been very happy with the way the police have dealt with it — they’ve been very supportive to us.

“Any wider issues are a matter for Police Scotland but we have no criticisms to make of them.” A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Crown Office is aware of the circumstances relating to the death of Janet McKay and in particular an issue relating to the search for her.

“On this basis the Lord Advocate has referred the matter to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for investigation under statutory powers.” A spokesman for the PIRC said: “The commissioner is conducting an investigation into the initial response from Police Scotland to the missing person investigation for Janet McKay and the circumstances leading up to her death, following a referral from Police Scotland and instruction from the Crown Office.” --------- TRIBUTES have been paid to late Janet McKay whose disappearance sparked a mass search operation in Clydebank.

The body of the 88-year-old with dementia was found on Thursday, September 24, eight days after she went missing from her home in Knightswood on September 16.

The exact time and place of where she died has yet to be revealed by police but it is believed to be outside in the Queens Quay area of Clydebank.

Flowers and messages decorate the perimeter of the former John Brown’s shipyard site, placed by devastated relatives and members of the public.

A tribute from family members reads: “Aunt Jenny, may you rest in peace,” Another states: “Aunt Jenny, a wee gem that will never be forgotten.” Attached to roses, another card says: “God bless you, Janet. From a Bankie who tried but failed to help you. R.I.P.” Shortly after Mrs McKay’s body was discovered by police, the family also released a statement. They said they were “devastated” and that their “dear mother” would be “sadly missed by everyone who knew her”.

They added: “We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support from the many officers involved in the search to locate our mother.” ---------- THE failing to investigate a lead into Janet McKay’s disappearance comes two months after the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) launched a probe into the deaths of Lamara Bell and her partner John Yuill in a car accident on the M9 in July.

Police Scotland only investigated the crash three days after it was reported to them in a phone call.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House last month announced he will stand down earlier than expected following sustained public and political criticism over call centre failings, and controversies over stop-and-search and armed police patrols.

Calum Steele, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said incidents like this were “rare”.