Body found in search for missing Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital doctor Andrew Haldane

A body has been found during the search for a missing hospital doctor and former Army medic who was praised for his tireless work during the pandemic.

Police had been frantically searching for Lt Col Andrew Haldane who failed to return home after finishing his shift at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday (June 6).

West Mercia Police officers confirmed a body believed to be that of the 45-year-old had been discovered in the countryside in Abberley, Worcestershire.

A force spokesperson said: "Police searching for missing Worcester man Andrew Haldane have found a body.

"The body was found earlier today in Netherton Lane in Abberley.

"Formal identification has yet to take place however Andrew’s family has been informed."

What happened before the police update about Lt Col Andrew Haldane?

The consultant anaesthetist vanished after leaving work prompting worried friends and colleagues to share the appeal widely on social media.

Mr Haldane, from Ombersley, Worcester, worked at the hospital helping Covid patients during the pandemic and was praised for his hard work.

Dr Nick Crombie, a trauma anaesthetist, wrote: "North Worcestershire and surrounds - this is Andy - he is a colleague, a friend and a good man.

"He never came home from work on Monday and he, and his silver Focus estate are missing. Help us find him. Please. #999"

During the Covid lockdown, colleague Tonny Veenith described a picture of Mr Haldane and his workmates as the "NHS at its best"

He wrote: "My colleagues and friends from anaesthesia and theatres are now the covid intubation team. They are extremely busy but still have a smile on their face!"

What role did Lt Col Andrew Haldane have at the QE?

Mr Haldane worked at the hospital’s Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which treats injured members of the armed services.

He graduated from the University of London and did his postgraduate training in Birmingham, along with at the University of Michigan in America.

One pal wrote on social media: "RIP Andy, you will be deeply missed. You were such a lovely man."

Another added: "Tragic news. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Police had said previously Mr Haldane was last seen leaving the hospital and appealed for help tracking down his Ford Focus Estate.

They said: "The 45-year-old was last seen leaving his place of work, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, at around 5pm yesterday (Mon). Andrew is driving a silver Ford Focus Estate, which officers are also keen to locate. Officers are growing increasingly concerned for Andrew’s welfare and urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to call 999 immediately."

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