A large scale search is continuing for a missing teenager in Stornoway as concerns grow for his wellbeing.
There has been no sign of Aleksandr Benga since 8.45am yesterday (Monday) morning when he was seen near the waterwheel in the Lews Castle Grounds.
The 16-year-old was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may be
in possession of a red jacket.
Stornoway residents are urged to check sheds and outhouses in case the youth has sought shelter in the bitterly cold temperatures.
Inspector David Hall said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of Aleksandr as are his family. He has not been seen for over 24 hours now.
“It was extremely cold overnight and we would ask residents to check their outbuildings and sheds as he may have sought shelter there.
“Local officers, along with assistance from HM Coastguard and RNLI’s Stornoway lifeboat have resumed search activity this morning.
“As our enquiries continue, I would urge anyone who has seen or heard from Aleksandr or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible.”
Western Isles Coastguard said: “We are now into the second day of searching for Aleksandr along with all our partner services, and would appeal to anyone in the Stornoway town and Castle Grounds areas to please be vigilant and report anything to Police Scotland Highland & Islands via 101 or to HM Coastguard via 999.
“We would ask anyone able to safely do so to check their outbuildings in case he has sought refuge from the overnight weather conditions.
“There will be high levels of search activity today (19th November), and ask for your patience as we move personnel and vehicles around the area.”
Concerns for his wellbeing intensified as darkness fell yesterday with coastguard and fire personnel searching on foot in the Lews Castle grounds, Willowglen, and surrounding areas.
The Stornoway search helicopter and RNLI lifeboat joined the search around 7.30pm yesterday.
The helicopter undertook overhead sweeps of the area while Stornoway lifeboat scoured the coastline between Arnish and the inner harbour.
Police Scotland is appealing for anyone who has seen Aleksandr, or has any information that may help locate him, to phone 101 with incident reference 0803 of 18/11/2024
Police ‘increasingly concerned’ for Stornoway teenager missing in freezing temperatures
19 November 2024
