Mystery surrounds police probe and Greenock road closure over missing woman

Part of busy Inverkip Road was sealed off on Saturday, with the officers sent to the scene focusing their attention on a van which had been left parked on the street.

A police cordon was put up, blocking the stretch of the A78 between Bow Road and Barrs Cottage.

As residents in the street watched, officers erected a tent around the vehicle and forensic experts wearing protective white suits were drafted in to comb the vehicle.

Detectives and uniformed officers were also in attendance.

A recovery truck arrived later to remove the van from the street, which remained shut for several hours.

But officers are today remaining tight-lipped about details of the incident.

They would only say that it relates to an 'ongoing' police inquiry involving a 23-year-old woman who was reported missing on Saturday morning.

The Telegraph's pictures show there was a substantial police presence in the street for several hours.

After officers sealed off the area surrounding the small white van they enclosed it within a large tent.

Forensics examiners worked on the vehicle, which was parked close to the bus stop at the footpath leading to Rankin Court.

It was later loaded onto a recovery truck and removed.

Officers remained at the incident for the remainder of the afternoon and kept the scene taped off into the evening.

Police have confirmed that their investigation into the matter remains live.

Area commander Chief Inspector Paul Cameron was unable to comment on the full circumstances of the incident and confirmed only that the individual concerned had been traced and was in the care of her family.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Following a report of concern for a 23-year-old woman, reported missing on Saturday 9 October, officers are carrying out enquiries in Inverkip Road, Greenock to establish the full circumstances.

"The woman has been traced and is in the care of her family."