Body found in Bathgate flat after police raid

Sep 17 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

BODY FOUND IN FLAT AFTER POLICE RAID

A BODY has been found at a Bathgate home police raided after reports the couple who lived there had gone “missing.”

Teams of officers arrived at the home belonging to the Jarvis family in the town’s Balbardie Crescent late on Tuesday evening and had to force the door to gain entry.

Forensic officers swarmed the area after officers discovered the body, which was removed from the home yesterday (Wednesday).

Cops cordoned off the area as they continued their investigations at the property.

As the Courier went to press police officials were unable to confirm if there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding their discovery but neighbours of the couple, believed to be in their 50s, said the pair hadn’t been seen in days.

One told the Courier: “She was reported missing a couple of days ago and now he has disappeared as well. Police came to my door on Tuesday to ask when I last saw them but I honestly can’t remember.

“She doesn’t keep well and recently she had gone pretty thin. He is a bit older than her but I never really spoke to them much.

“I think they have four children but they don’t live at home anymore.

“They are both unemployed and just seemed to sit in the house and drink.

“There were lots of complaints of loud music and noise coming from their flat.

“The people who live above them have changed several times over the years because of their behaviour.

“They’ve lived there for about 10 years and some people banded together a few years ago to try to get the council to move them out but they didn’t do anything about it.”

Detective Inspector Phil Gachaghan said inquiries were at an early stage and asked for anyone with information regarding the house and its occupants to contact police.