Search stood down for couple after car found washed up on beach

The search for a couple whose car was found washed up on a beach amid bad weather has been stood down for the day.

James and Susan Kenneavy’s Ford Kuga was found empty on Drummore beach near Stranraer in south-west Scotland at around 7.30am on Thursday.

Heavy rain led to flooding on the Drummore coastal road on Wednesday and search teams worked into the night on Thursday looking for the couple.

Air, sea and land searches continued on Friday but have now been stood down.

Police Scotland said search teams will return to the area over the weekend.

A force spokesman said: “We were assisted by the local lifeboats, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team, Coastguard and Rescue 936 search helicopter as we continued our search of Luce Bay.

“At this time the search has been stood down, however, 20 members of Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team will deploy tomorrow to continue the coastline search.

“Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area tonight and over the weekend.”

Officers said the couple have not been seen at home and have not been in touch with family.

Inspector Craig Nicolson, of Dumfries and Galloway Police, said on Friday: “We are very worried about Mr and Mrs Kenneavy.

“We know the Drummore coastal road was closed last night due to coastal flooding but I would ask anyone who saw the vehicle or knows the whereabouts of the couple to contact Police Scotland.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 quoting incident number 0474 – November 29 2018.