Seven months after police failed to find the body of a former North Wales man, an investigation is still continuing.

The body of 64-year-old Arnold Mouat was found at his home in Bo’ness, Scotland, in August, one month after he had been reported missing.

He was found by a member of his family. The police had failed to find him, despite having carried out two searches following his disappearance.

Mr Mouat worked for BHP Billiton at their Talacre plant in Flintshire in the 1990s and both he and his wife Christine were popular members of Prestatyn Running Club.

Following the discovery of his body, members of Police Scotland’s specialist search team were placed on restricted duties but the officers do not face any misconduct hearings.

The matter was referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, the Scottish equivalent of the In dependent Office for Police Conduct, and a spokesman said at the weekend: “The investigation remains ongoing.”

A report will be sent in due course to the Chief Constable. The post is currently vacant following the recent resignation of Phil Gormley who left amid mounting allegations of misconduct.

Following the discovery of Mr Mouat’s body last August, Superintendent Martin Fotheringham of Forth Valley Division said: “This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Mouat family as they come to terms with their loss.

“Following a review of our response to this incident, Police Scotland has referred this matter to the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner. “We will provide them with all the necessary assistance and support they require during their investigation.

“I would like to thank those members of the public and media who responded to our appeal for information, in particular those who assisted with searching for Mr Mouat.

“We are continuing to support Mr Mouat’s family with dedicated family liaison officers and will continue to offer any assistance we can throughout this difficult time.”

The family of Mr Mouat issued a statement saying they were “devastated” by the loss of a loving husband and father.”