Inverness-based specialist search officers from Police Scotland join search for missing Stornoway teen Aleksandr Benga who has not been seen for 96 hours
Specialist search officers from Inverness have joined the "extensive search" for a missing Lewis teen who hasn't been seen for days.
Aleksandr Benga (16) was last seen in the grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway at around 8.45am on Monday, and police are growing "very concerned" for his welfare, especially in the current wintry weather.
Despite repeated appeals he has now been missing from more than 96 hours, and officers from Inverness and Aberdeen have now travelled to Lewis to help in the search operation.
Police have also now issued two new photographs of Aleksandr in the hope that they might jog someone's memory and spark fresh sightings.
Aleksandr is 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build 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.
As well as the additional specialist officers, further 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 [in the grounds of Lews Castle], however we still do not know where he went next.
"I urge Stornoway residents to check any outbuildings and sheds you may have in case he has sought shelter from the cold.
"I would also ask anyone with private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to please review it and contact us if you think you’ve captured him passing.
"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."
If you have any information on Aleksandr's whereabouts, contact Police Scotland via 101 as soon as possible, quoting ‘incident 0803 of November 18.
