Police Scotland have confirmed a body recovered from the River North Esk is that of missing Dalkeith pensioner Thomas Davidson.

The 73-year-old had been the subject of an extensive search operation having gone missing on Tuesday, April 26.

There are no suspicious circumstances and police are not looking to speak to anyone else in connection with this matter.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Thomas’ family said: “We wish to thank the local community and police for their understanding and support at this very sad time.

"We also wish to be left alone and be given the privacy needed to grieve."

The pensioner was last seen walking on Esk Place at the junction with Old Edinburgh Road, Dalkeith at around 9pm on April 26.

A major search operation was undertaken in Dalkeith and the surrounding areas involving specialist units such as dog handlers, the Police Scotland marine unit and police helicopter.

Sergeant Stuart Aitchison of Dalkeith police station said: “Our sympathies are with the family of Thomas Davidson and we wish to extend our gratitude to them for their assistance over the course of our search operation.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public who assisted with our inquiries.”