An Aberdeen pensioner who has been missing for almost 48 hours is a keen walker, according to a senior police officer leading the massive search operation.
Douglas Bruce, 78, from Culter, has been missing from his home in Crown Crescent since 9.15am on Wednesday.
Police revealed yesterday that he had gone for a walk along Deeside that morning, but failed to return, leading to a search operation which involved an RAF helicopter, Aberdeen lifeboat and several coastguard teams.
Yesterday afternoon, Inspector Jamie Wilson, who is leading the search, said: “Mr Bruce did not return home and his wife phoned us a short time later. Due to his age and the passage of time and the cold weather we are concerned for his well-being.
“There may have been a chance that he has become cold and confused and tired and he sought refuge in a garden, an outhouse or a garden shed, so please could anyone who lives in that area check their own property for any sign.”
The search intensified yesterday as police, dog units, specialist searchers and coastguards scoured the banks of the River Dee.
Police rendezvoused at St Peter’s Heritage Centre in Howie Lane, Culter, where they began their search.
Mr Wilson added: “Our search just now is focused around the Peterculter area, and the areas that Mr Bruce used to like to walk, which was along the River Dee embankment and also along the railway line.
“We’ve done extensive house-to-house inquiries, also we’ve tried to establish CCTV that may have tracked Mr Bruce’s movements.”
The RNLI’s in-shore lifeboat was aiding yesterday’s daytime search.
Mr Wilson said: “Along with specialist police searchers, the RAF helicopter and coastguard, we’ve been searching the Peterculter area trying to find him.
“We used our under-water search team to search the embankment today.
“Due to age, he is not as fit a walker, but he is a capable walker, he walked with the aid of a stick, so again that’s something that may register in somebody’s memory.”
Mr Bruce was described as being 5ft 2in, medium build, with grey-white hair, spectacles and wearing a navy hooded jacket, grey trousers and brown boots, and may also have been wearing a hat and scarf.
“His family are deeply concerned and worried about him and we’re very, very keen to contact or trace him as soon as possible,” added Mr Wilson.
Meanwhile, police have issued a “concerned” appeal for help in finding a man missing from Bieldside in Aberdeen.
William Arthur, 61, was last seen in the suburb on 9.40am on Wednesday.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police officers are concerned for Mr Arthur’s welfare and are appealing for him to contact them, or a friend or family member, to confirm that he is safe and well.
“It is possible he may have travelled to the city centre area of Aberdeen.”
Mr Arthur is described as being 5ft 8in, of medium build and possibly wearing a blue fleece, light pink jeans and walking boots.