Person last seen speaking to Josh Gayton before his disappearance comes forward

Police say they have now traced the last person who was reportedly in contact with sailor Josh Gayton the night of his disappearance.

Josh, 21, who served at the Naval Base on the Clyde, was last seen in Helensburgh in the early hours of April 16. Sadly, police announced on Sunday night that a body believed to be Josh had been recovered in the water off Helensburgh at 6.20pm.

It's claimed he was drunk and had been handed a fixed penalty notice by cops for urinating in public following a night out. He was let go despite reportedly appearing intoxicated and wearing only a T-shirt and trousers.

He was then seen speaking with a member of the public at 12.25am on West Clyde Street and cops issued an appeal for them to come forward. They have now said the person did and helped provided information.

Chief Inspector Allan Dickson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joshua.

“We would like to thank the local community and everyone who shared and responded to our missing person appeal.

“We asked a member of the public who was seen speaking to Josh outside a restaurant on West Clyde Street at 12.25am in the town to come forward and they did so and provided information for our enquiries.

“Officers are continuing to support Josh’s family at what is a very hard time for them.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Police Scotland have now opened an internal inquiry into the way officers dealt with Josh.

The matter has been referred to Police Scotland's Professional Standards Department, which oversees disciplinary matters, complaints and the conduct of officers.

Following his disappearance, Josh shipmates launched their own search for their colleague, sharing descriptions and images of the young man. A serving military officer, who did not wish to be named, had questioned why the force had not contacted military police.

He told the Mail on Sunday: ”The Royal Navy patrol Helensburgh all the time and they should have been contacted by Police Scotland when they were dealing with Josh. They have a duty of care to people and their slogan is ‘Keeping People Safe’.

“Instead, his comrades are wondering why they let him walk off into the night, inebriated, under-dressed and not knowing where he was, knowing he was a serving member of the Royal Navy.”

The Navy said it was liaising with Police Scotland following the discovery of the body.

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