Police search ongoing for missing child abuse survivor after failed anonymity bid

Police are continuing to search for an abuse survivor who was reported missing after an inquiry chair ruled an anonymity bid could not be reversed.

Kevin Sutherland, who is in his 30s, gave evidence to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) in 2022.

After originally waiving his right to anonymity, he later asked chairwoman Lady Smith to reverse the decision after his statement appeared online.

Mr Sutherland was subsequently told last week that he had failed in a bid to retrospectively remove his name from his testimony.

The alarm was raised that Mr Sutherland was missing in the early hours of Thursday morning after he posted a “final announcement” on social media.

It read: “The amount of red flags that have been ignored by absolutely everyone, to allow me to get to this final point is unforgivable.”

An inquiry spokesman confirmed it was aware of a “possible tragic incident”.

Police Scotland confirmed officers were continuing to conduct a search of the River Forth, near the Queensferry Crossing.

A spokesperson said: “Searches remain ongoing in the area of the River Forth following a report of concern for a man, which was received around 1.50am on Thursday, December 19, 2024.”

A SCAI spokesperson said: “We have been made a been aware of a possible tragic incident involving an individual who has been engaging with the Inquiry.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

“In the interests of transparency, SCAI will commission an independent review as soon as possible to consider all aspects of its interactions with the individual.”

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