Daughter of Hazel Nairn, missing after being swept in River Don, describes 'nightmare'

The daughter of a woman who remains missing after being swept into the River Don amid severe weather has said it feels like she is “in a nightmare”.

Hazel Nairn was last seen in the water near Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, at around 3.05pm on Friday, November 18, after trying to return home with her West Highland terrier during a weather warning.

Officers conducting extensive searches confirmed the body of the Westie was recovered near the River Don on Wednesday as the search for Ms Nairn entered its sixth day.

“I would urge everyone to keep looking. She deserves to be laid to rest.”

The probe has now entered day ten, and Ms Nairn’s daughter, Anneka, has told of her heartbreak at the “horrific” situation as she continues to conduct her own search every day.

Anneka told STV News: “I feel as if I am in a nightmare, and this is all has to be such a mistake.

“We have been out searching every day since. Out at first light until it gets dark.

“We along with friends have covered on foot from Monymusk to Dyce so far, with 16 plus people out each day.

“You’ll know I found my mum’s dog on Wednesday, but no sign of my mum so far.

“It has been horrific.

“I would just urge everyone to keep looking, she is out there all alone and must be somewhere.

“She deserves to be laid to rest.”

Police are continuing extensive searches. Police Scotland

Hazel went missing during weather disruption which saw around one month’s worth of rainfall batter much of Scotland’s east coast.

The torrential rain caused road and rail disruption, school closures and support centres to be set up for those forced from their homes.

A local vigil was held at the town’s local parish church, and a Christmas lights switch-on event in Monymusk was also cancelled out of respect to Ms Nairn.

Anneka has praised the efforts of the church, and revealed she was touched by the turnout from the local community.

She added: “The church did the vigil last Sunday, which was lovely as so many people turned out for my mum.”

The latest update from the police revealed that searches had been carried out between Kintore and Dyce by specially trained officers from Operational Support Division, the Dive and Marine Unit and Air Support Unit.

Inspector Rhona Di Meola said: “Since Hazel was last seen extensive police searches have been carried out, including the use of the police helicopter and specialist resources.

“Every effort is being made to find her as we know how distressing this is for her family and friends.”