Aleksandr Benga: Specialist officers join search on Lewis for missing teenager

22 November 2024, 13:17 | Updated: 22 November 2024, 14:31

Police search specialists from Aberdeen and Inverness have travelled to the Isle of Lewis to help look for a missing teenager who has not been seen in four days. 

Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last spotted near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle, west of Stornoway, at about 8.45am on Monday.

Police Scotland is "very concerned" for the teenager's welfare and is urging residents to check any outbuildings and sheds in case he sought shelter from the cold.

As well as the specialist officers from the mainland, the force said support is also being provided by partner agencies.

Inspector David Hall said: "We are continuing to appeal for the help of the public in tracing Aleksandr, who has now been missing for over 96 hours.

"We have been reviewing CCTV and footage provided by members of the public and we now have a better idea of Aleksandr's whereabouts prior to the sighting at the water wheel, however we still do not know where he went next."

Aleksandr is described as around 6ft 2in tall, slim, with short brown hair.

When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans. He may also have a red jacket and a yellow beanie hat.

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Inspector Hall is urging all those with relevant private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to pass it on to officers.

He added: "We are very concerned for this young man's welfare. Aleksandr, if you see this, please get in touch with us and let us know you are safe."

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