A MAJOR search was under way for a missing schoolboy in Aberdeenshire last night.
Leon Selbie, or Rennie, 11, vanished from the Fyvie area yesterday afternoon.
Police officers specially trained in search techniques were leading the hunt on the ground, aided by dogs and an RAF search helicopter. The official search was co-ordinated from the Woodhead community centre on the village outskirts.
Local volunteers were also turning up at the centre late last night to widen the search for the youngster, who is believed to have gone missing around 3pm.
Police Scotland were urging people not to disrupt scent trails for the dogs – or to put themselves in danger – by going out on foot in the countryside in darkness. Instead locals were being asked to help by going out in their cars to look around neighbourhoods and check ing outbuildings and garages.
Police said Leon was average height for his age and very slim, with short, straight, blond hair and black framed glasses.
He was last seen wearing a big thick olive green ski jacket, blue jeans, a blue jumper and white trainers.
One local said the youngster had only recently moved to the area from nearby Cuminestown.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “An extensive search for the boy is being carried out. We have no indication at the moment as to where he may be.”
There was a massive police presence in the area last night, with cars converging on the village from all directions and officers going house to house asking for information.
The RAF helicopter with thermal imaging equipment was flying low overhead throughout the night. Woodhead Community Club issued a statement around 11.30pm, saying: “Many thanks to all those who appeared tonight to search, however, we have been advised that it would interfere with the scents for the tracking dogs. The police will follow their procedures through the night and doing a very thorough search of the area. We have been requested not to search on foot and other than main roads, just to wait until morning or for further updates.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0845 555111 should they wish to remain anonymous.