Officers investigating the disappearance of Shaun Ritchie have received a fresh call about the case after The Press and Journal’s documentary was released about the missing Fraserburgh man on Sunday night.
Nicole Shand, Shaun’s sister, says she has been “overwhelmed” by the public response to the film on her missing brother as she continues to plead with people to come forward with information.
Her plea comes as Police Scotland confirmed they have already received one call on the case since the seventh anniversary of Shaun’s disappearance on October 31.
Detective Inspector Martin MacDougall, who leads the investigation, said all fresh leads will be followed up.
“Any new information received will be thoroughly assessed and acted on as appropriate,” he said.
The Press and Journal released an exclusive documentary, Missing from The Broch: The Disappearance of Shaun Ritchie, revealing new facts about the case which has haunted his family for seven years.
‘I hope it does lead to something more’
Speaking about the reaction and support of the public, Nicole said: “I’m so overwhelmed with the response of the documentary and getting Shaun’s case out again to the public eye and attention which it deserves.
“It has now led to one fresh call to Police Scotland and I hope it does lead to something more.
“Just that correct call or new piece of information could be all this case needs to get the closure and answers we have been longing for this past seven years.
“We need this suffering to stop it has been too long now.
“We miss Shaun so much.”
Shaun travelled the short journey to Kersiehill Farm near Fraserburgh in a van with seven other people around 10pm on Halloween night.
According to witness statements, a disturbance in the van caused Shaun to flee into the darkness as the vehicle arrived at the rural location.
Alleged axe attack link
The new documentary uncovered an alleged axe attack linked to Shaun’s missing person case.
The driver of the van, Neil ‘Nuggs’ Robertson appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court in 2017 charged with assault and attempting to strike a person with an axe at Kersiehill Farm on October 31, 2014.
He was found not guilty of the charge.
DI Martin MacDougall, explained that, according to witness statements, Shaun had already fled the van and was away from the scene by the time of the alleged assault.
However the new information does clarify for the first time that there was a disturbance both in the van and at Kersiehill Farm around the time Shaun disappeared.
DI MacDougall said: “The six in the back of the van have all been drinking and I think they were just, you know, there’s nothing to suggest there was anything untoward.
“I think one of them was just winding up the driver, one of Shaun’s friends was just winding up the driver a bit.
“It doesn’t appear to have been anything significant.”
The detective did confirm that Shaun and others’ reason for fleeing the van when it arrived at Kersiehill was “fearing that something may happen.”
Police Scotland continue to treat Shaun’s case as a missing person and anyone with information should contact officers on 101.
If you would like to speak to our Impact investigations reporter Sean O’Neil please email soneil@dctmedia.co.uk
Watch our Shaun Ritchie documentary here