A body believed to be that of missing soldier Alex Cairnie has been discovered near Warren Hill, bringing a tragic end to an intensive three-day search operation.
Wiltshire Police confirmed the discovery at 6pm on Tuesday evening, with formal identification yet to take place. The 30-year-old sergeant from the Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment had been missing since noon on Sunday when he was last seen leaving Tidworth Camp in Wiltshire.
We are very sad to report that a body has been found this evening in the search for missing Alex from Perham Down,” police stated. His next of kin have been informed of the discovery.
No Suspicious Circumstances
Authorities confirmed there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. A file will be prepared for the coroner to determine the cause of death through formal proceedings.
Detective Inspector Mark Kent expressed condolences on behalf of the investigation team. “Our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of Alex at this extremely difficult time,” he said.
The senior officer also acknowledged the extensive search efforts that had been mobilised since Sunday afternoon. “I would like to thank all those involved in the search efforts to locate him,” Kent added.
Massive Search Operation
The search for Sergeant Cairnie involved hundreds of personnel from multiple agencies working around the clock. Military colleagues from the Queen’s Royal Hussars joined Wiltshire Police officers and specially trained volunteers in combing the area around Tidworth garrison.
Police dogs were deployed alongside thermal imaging drones to scan woodland areas from above. The technology allowed search teams to cover vast areas of difficult terrain more efficiently during the urgent operation.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue teams brought specialist expertise to the effort, working systematically through designated search zones. The coordination between military and civilian search teams reflected the urgency of finding the missing soldier.
Last Known Movements
New CCTV images released during the search showed Cairnie at the Tidworth branch of Tesco at approximately 11am on Sunday. He was wearing a grey sweatshirt and dark grey outdoor trousers with black knee patches.
The sergeant was described as around 5ft 7ins tall, athletic build, with mousy brown hair and a beard. He was last seen leaving the military base at around noon, approximately an hour after the supermarket sighting.
Police had expressed serious concerns for his welfare, prompting the immediate launch of the large-scale search operation. The urgency was reflected in repeated public appeals for information about his whereabouts.
Community Response
The search effort drew significant community support, with volunteer groups mobilising to assist professional search teams. Drew Short from DS Rescue and Recovery organised a team that included search and rescue dogs and three trucks.
“We won’t stop looking for you until you are found by someone,” Short had written during the search. “We’re all really hoping you are ok and please reach out to someone.”
The volunteer’s message reflected the wider community concern for the missing soldier. Local residents joined military personnel in distributing missing person posters and checking potential locations.
Direct Appeals
During the search, Sergeant Gareth Brooks had made a direct appeal to his missing colleague through police channels. The emotional plea highlighted the concern among military ranks for their comrade’s wellbeing.
Alex, we need to know that you are safe. Please call 101 and ask to be put through to me directly,” Brooks had said. I’m here to listen and I can give you the time you need to talk things through.
He emphasised the support available: “There are many people who care about you and they need to know that you are OK.”
Elite Regiment
The Queen’s Royal Hussars is the British Army’s most senior armoured regiment, currently based at Tidworth garrison in Wiltshire. The unit uses Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks and is preparing to receive the new Challenger 3 tanks.
The regiment has a distinguished service history dating back to its formation in 1993 from the amalgamation of the Queen’s Own Hussars and Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars. It has been based at Tidworth since 2019 after relocating from Germany.
Recent deployments have included rapid response to Poland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and multiple deployments to Estonia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence operations.
Investigation Continues
While no suspicious circumstances are suspected, police procedures require a thorough investigation into the death. The coroner will conduct a formal inquest to establish the exact circumstances and cause of death.
The discovery location near Warren Hill is close to the Tidworth military complex, which houses several army units. The area includes training grounds and countryside regularly used by military personnel.
As the formal identification process continues, the military community at Tidworth and the wider Queen’s Royal Hussars family are coming to terms with the loss of one of their own.
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