Laura Wilkie: Body found in search for missing woman who vanished in Ayr before Christmas
A body has been found in the search for a missing woman who disappeared days before Christmas.
Laura Wilkie, 43, was last seen sitting on a bench near Ayr's Millenium Bridge at around 8.30pm on Monday 18 December.
Air, dive and marine units joined the Police Scotland search, and officers carried out a stop and speak operation in the area on Wednesday as part of efforts to spark anyone's memory who may have seen her at the time.
Investigating officers described Ms Wilkie's disappearance as "completely out of character" and said they were "extremely concerned" for her safety and wellbeing.
On Thursday afternoon, Police Scotland confirmed the body of a woman had been found in the Rozelle Park area of the South Ayrshire town.
A force spokesperson said: "She has yet to be formally identified but the family of Laura Wilkie, 43, who had been reported missing on Tuesday 19 December has been made aware.
"The death is being treated as unexplained."
