Police confirm Ralph Hebden body find

POLICE today confirmed that the body recovered from the North Sea at Arbroath on Monday was that of missing Marine Ralph Hebden.

His body was found close to the shoreline at Carlingheugh Bay beneath the steep cliffs on the outskirts of the Angus town - exactly three weeks after the Royal Marine disappeared after setting out for a morning run.

Marine Hebden, 32, whose wife Sarah gave birth to the couple’s first child two weeks ago, had last been seen alive on the morning of Monday 11 March.

A spokesman for the Tayside Division of Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland can confirm that the body of a man recovered by the Coastguard at the shoreline below Arbroath Cliffs on Monday has now been formally identified. The deceased has been named as Ralph Hebden, 32, of RM Condor, Arbroath.”

He continued: “Royal Marine Hebden had not been seen since 11 March and was the subject of an extensive missing person enquiry. Tayside Division wishes to thank all those who lent their assistance and support to the efforts undertaken during the course of the investigation.”

The spokesman added: “There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Hebden’s death and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. His family has requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Marine Hebden, who was originally from the Toxteth area of Liverpool, was stationed at 45 Commando’s base at RM Condor in Arbroath. He vanished only days before his wife was due to give birth.

Mrs Hebden gave birth to a baby daughter on Friday 22 March, eleven days after her husband vanished. And last Monday she issued an emotional appeal to her missing husband to return home to see their first child.

In a direct appeal, issued through Tayside Police Mrs Hebden said: “Ralph, your daughter has been born. She is safe and healthy and we are both doing well. But we both need you home with us and we need you now. Please come home.”

Lt Commander Mike Tanner, the commanding officer of 45 Commando, said: “All at 45 Commando Royal Marines are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Marine Ralph Hebden and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”