Hopes are fading for the safety of missing pensioner Douglas Bruce after police discovered his walking stick on the banks of the River Dee.
Police said officers were becoming “increasingly anxious”, following a large-scale search operation which failed to find any trace of the 78-year-old.
Mr Bruce was last seen by his wife Grace at their home in Crown Crescent, Culter, before going for a morning walk on Wednesday.
He was a regular on the River Dee path, which runs close to his home.
Yesterday, police appealed for any information on the grandfather. Officers are checking CCTV for any possible details which may help to lead them to his whereabouts.
Detective Sergeant Gary Winter said: “Searches have continued today around Mr Bruce’s home, the route he was seen to have walked after leaving his home, and an area by the River Dee.
“A walking stick believed to have been Mr Bruce’s has been found near to the River Dee.
“I would continue to urge members of the public to check their outbuildings and sheds and to come forward if they may have information. I would also ask anyone who frequents the River Dee area to come forward if they think they may have seen Mr Bruce.
“We are reviewing CCTV in the area and inquiries are ongoing. We are growing increasingly anxious to trace Mr Bruce.”
Police called in Aberdeen Coastguard to check the river banks on Thursday.
The Aberdeen Lifeboat crew has also been searching for any trace of the pensioner.
Police were unable to conduct an underwater search of the River Dee yesterday due to its high levels and fast-moving currents.
Mr Bruce is 5ft 2in and medium build with grey and white hair.
When he left his home, at around 9.15am on Wednesday, he was wearing a black/navy jacket with a hood, grey trousers, brown boots and a dark-coloured beanie style hat and scarf.
Police had urged residents to check sheds and outbuildings in the hope that he had taken shelter.
Mr Bruce’s family did not want to comment.