Police face probe after missing man found in garden

Published on Saturday 8 November 2008 19:16

AN independent investigation has been launched after police spent 10 weeks searching for the father of one of their colleagues while his body lay in his own front garden.

The body of 64-year-old Alan Goulden was reported to have been found in a hedge less than 10 feet from his front door in South Maybury, Edinburgh.

The man's son Graham, 40, is a detective inspector with Lothian and Borders Police.

Lothian and Borders Police conducted a massive neighbourhood search for Goulden, a diabetic, when he was reported missing on August 30, with roadside checks, a search dog, divers and horse patrols. Posters were also distributed to hotels and bed and breakfasts all over Scotland.

But on Friday a member of the public in Edinburgh discovered the badly decomposed body of a man in bushes in the shared front garden of Goulden's block of flats.

Lothian and Borders Police yesterday announced that an officer from another force will head an investigation into its search procedures.

Temporary deputy chief constable Bill Skelly said last night: "In accordance with established practice following such an incident I have requested that an officer from Strathclyde Police is nominated to conduct a detailed review of the police missing person operation.

"Search is a key element of any missing person inquiry, and while it is far too early to speculate as to the part that search has played in today's sad discovery, I am very keen that this area of our policing approach is thoroughly examined.

"It is hugely important for the family, the public and my own staff that a transparent and independent review is carried out."

During their search police had brought in a specialist sniffer dog to follow Gould's scent. The trail went cold at a bus stop.

Gould had left home without his diabetes medication on the day he disappeared. His partner, Alma Johnston, was with relatives yesterday.

Yesterday Gould's neighbour Diane Falconer said: "You would think if someone was missing this is the first place anyone would look."

Another local told how officers spent several days searching the area.

A police cordon was put around Goulden's home as forensic experts examined the scene.

Police are currently treating the death as unexplained.