A BODY has been found in the search for missing Kilbarchan man Allan Burns, who disappeared in January.

Police said the body was discovered in the water at Castle Semple Loch, in Lochwinnoch, shortly before 9am on Sunday.

Formal identification of the body has yet to take place but the family of Allan Burns has been told of the discovery.

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A police search was launched for Mr Burns, who was awarded an MBE for services to charity, after he went missing on January 18.

The 71-year-old dementia sufferer was last seen on the cycle path at Kilbarchan, heading towards Lochwinnoch.

Police Scotland said officers were called to the loch at 8.55am, where the body was was recovered.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death but a post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that about 8.55am this morning (Sunday), police were called to a report of a body found in the water at Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch.

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"No formal identification has taken place at this time.

"The family of missing man Allan Burns has been informed about the recovery."

Last Monday, Mr Burns' family issued a plea for help to find him following his "completely out of character" disappearance and thanked the police and local community for their efforts in the search.