THE LEADER of Angus Council last night said the people of Monifieth were still hopeful of a positive outcome despite the search for missing Linda Hill being scaled down by police.

Councillor Rob Murray said residents were remaining upbeat nearly a fortnight after Mrs Hill (41) disappeared.

The ground and sea search for the grandmother was scaled back earlier this week after 12 days with no sightings and police are now reviewing the evidence gathered so far.

“The people of Monifieth appreciate the police’s efforts in attempting to trace Mrs Hill,” said Mr Murray.

“I still get the feeling people are hopeful that she will turn up somewhere safe and well. Everyone in the town has been giving positive support to her husband.

“People are remaining upbeat and hopeful that there will be a happy outcome to this search. That is certainly the feeling I’m getting—nobody has given up.”

The man leading the inquiry, Detective Chief Inspector John Caughey, said yesterday he had contacted the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) to see if they could shed any light on the mystery.

The NPIA has access to recognised experts from the across the country in particular police disciplines and the agency often becomes involved in protracted or particularly complex cases.

Tayside Police recently called on the NPIA during the investigation into the death of Lithuanian woman Jolanta Bledaite, whose head and hands were found on Arbroath beach.

DCI Caughey said it was imperative every avenue of inquiry was explored and the NPIA’s involvement in the Linda Hill investigation would ensure no stone was left unturned.

He said, “We have spoken to the NPIA. It is for operational support as they can provide us with information and background and put us in touch with any experts in a particular field (of policing).

“They hold a database of experts and specialists that could give us direction and opinion. It is almost a policy decision (in long running inquiries) to see if they can come away with any suggestions.

“It is just about trying to see beyond what we have got in front of us.”

Mrs Hill was last seen at around 6.45am on Sunday, April 6, at the home she shared with husband Kenny at Riverview Caravan Park in Monifieth.

She had been dropped off at the caravan by police less than an hour before she vanished after spending several hours in custody following a disturbance in Monifieth which ended in her being issued with a fixed penalty fine.

Anyone who has seen her since 6.45am on April 6 should contact Tayside Police in Angus on (01307) 302200 or speak to any officer.