FEARS ARE growing for the safety of a Perthshire woman who has been posted missing for a second night as temperatures plummet.
Police yesterday extended their search to the wider Perth area for Doreen McIntyre (pictured), after initially concentrating on the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital, Perth, on Tuesday.
She was reported missing around 4pm that day. Officers have also contacted Ms McIntyre’s relatives in a bid to trace her.
It is understood Ms McIntyre (55), who comes from the Kirkmichael area, had attended Murray Royal Hospital in Perth on Tuesday as an outpatient before her disappearance was noted.
A spokesperson for Tayside Police confirmed officers are continuing their inquiries.
“Tayside Police is increasingly concerned for the welfare of 55-year-old Doreen McIntyre who was last seen in the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital at about 4pm on Tuesday,” the spokesperson said.
Fears have been raised in the Kirkmichael area, with Barry Todd, manager at Kirkmichael Village Shop, saying many locals are “worried” about Ms McIntyre.
“I last saw Doreen about a week ago,” he said.
“She is a well-known character here. We’re quite worried about her, especially with the weather like it has been.”
Efforts by The Courier to contact relatives of Ms McIntyre were unsuccessful.
A resident living in Mount Tabor Road, Perth, whose house is close to the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital, yesterday said he had not seen police in the area but expressed concern for the woman’s welfare.
THE MAN, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It must have been well below zero on Tuesday night and it’s not much warmer today.
“This has happened before but I don’t think the police issue a missing
person alert every time.”
Ms McIntyre is the second person to go missing in two days after being treated in a Tayside hospital.
Catherine Knoll (90), of Blairgowrie, went missing from Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on Monday but was found in St Andrews.
A host of people posted their concerns about Ms McIntyre on the Tayside Police Facebook page.
One woman said: “Sad when a person goes missing. Worry when it’s so dam cold out there.
“Hope she’s found soon safe and well.”
Ms McIntyre is described as being about 5ft 4in, and of slim build with curly brown shoulder length hair.
She was wearing a blue and white cardigan and blue jeans when last seen.
Anyone with information can phone Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.