A body has been found in the search for a missing soldier who was last seen walking around a Tesco near to his military base.
Alex Cairnie, 30, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon after being spotted at the supermarket in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
That same morning, the soldier was seen at his army camp around a mile away from the shop – his last appearance at the base.
Hundreds of military personnel and volunteers had joined the search for the sergeant who was part of the Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment.
Sadly, police confirmed this evening a body had been found near Warren Hill. Formal identification is yet to take place but Alex’s family has been informed.
There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, police have said.
Wiltshire Police said: ‘We are very sad to report that a body has been found this evening in the search for missing Alex from Perham Down.
‘Alex, 30, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon (06/07) leaving Tidworth camp and an urgent search has been ongoing since to find him.
‘Sadly, at around 6pm this evening, a body was found near Warren Hill.
Alex Cairnie, 30, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon after being spotted at the supermarket in Tidworth, Wiltshire
Missing soldier Alex Cairnie was last sighted walking around a Tesco near to his military base
Police dogs were sent out as part of the search, while a drone used thermal imaging to check a woodland from above
‘While formal identification has yet to take place, it is believed to be Alex and his next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.
‘There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’
Alex was previously described as around 5ft 7ins tall, with an athletic build, mousy brown hair and a beard.
He was believed to have been wearing a grey sweatshirt and dark grey outdoor trousers with black knee patches when he went missing.
Police dogs were sent out as part of the search, while a drone used thermal imaging technology to check local woodland from above.
DI Mark Kent said: ‘Our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of Alex at this extremely difficult time.
‘I would like to thank all those involved in the search efforts to locate him.’
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
