Police dogs were drafted in yesterday as the search for a vulnerable missing 51-year-old man continued into its third day and residents were urged to check their sheds and outbuildings.
Alexander Bain, 51, who is a keen walker, was reported missing from his home in Alford on Wednesday.
An air search was also being carried out as part of police efforts to trace Mr Bain, who is known as Alec, after he was last seen in the Balloch, Denmill and Kirton of Tough areas on Wednesday afternoon between 2pm and 6pm.
Officers have been scouring those areas and have issued posters locally in the hope of jogging people’s memories as the hunt continues and have appealed for any dash cam footage that also could show Mr Bain walking in the area.
With no recent trace of Mr Bain, who is described as being of slim build, last seen wearing a dark jacket with white stripes down the sleeves, police have said they are becoming increasingly worried.
Local inspector Graeme Allan, who is leading the search, said: “As time goes by we are increasingly anxiously to trace Alec.
“We have had an overwhelming response from members of the public and the community and we are thankful to those who have been in touch.
“A number of people have come forward to report sightings of him. All the information we have gathered so far suggest he was on foot in the Balloch, Denmill and Kirkton of Tough areas between around 4.15pm and 6pm on Wednesday and our searches are focusing on that area.
“Specialist resources including the use of police dogs will continue today.
“While we are grateful to members of the public who have offered to support the search however the terrain is undulating with a number of bog, marsh and forest areas so we would ask that the coordinated police search is allowed to continue without disruption.
“We are continuing to urge anyone who may have seen him particularly if you were driving in the area and may have dash cam footage.
“Alec is known to walk long distances and he might have sought shelter in the Alford area. I would urge people to check any outbuildings or sheds that they have for signs he may have been there.”
Alec is described as being of slim build. When he was last seen he was wearing black jogging bottoms, a blue jacket with white stripes down the sleeve and brown training shoes. He was also carrying a Tesco bag.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.