Items recovered in search for missing fishing boat and crew

Items belonging to a fishing boat that vanished off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis last week have been recovered as the search for the vessel and two missing crew members continues.

Norman "Tam" Murray, 40 and Murdo Morrison, 23, were on board the Kilda when it disappeared on 13 October.

The body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea in the early hours of the following morning by rescuers.

On Thursday, police confirmed that items belonging to the vessel had been recovered from what was described as "an area of interest" off the coast near Port of Ness.

The search was carried out by Police Scotland's marine and dive unit and partners.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone has been in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness, but this will be lifted from 23:59 on Thursday.

Insp Neil Taylor, local area inspector for the Western Isles, said the search was a "complex operation" and asked for officers to be given "time and space" to carry out inquiries.

He said: "Efforts are continuing to work with partners and we are doing everything we can to get answers.

"While the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone will be lifted tonight, we would urge people not to put themselves at any risk.

"Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm."

A GoFundMe for the families affected by the event has raised more than £148,000, against a target of £110,000.