Police in Inverness yesterday launched an appeal to trace a missing Highland League footballer.
Richard Finnis, who plays for Strathspey Thistle, was last seen in the city’s Kinmylies area at around 1.20pm on Saturday afternoon.
The star, who plays in defence for the Grantown-on-Spey side, was unavailable for selection as his team defeated Lossiemouth 1-0 in the Highland League at the weekend.
Matters developed as police identified the 30-year-old as a missing person and appealed for information as to his whereabouts.
But while they appealed for public help, they also warned members of the public not to approach Mr Finnis.
The reasons for such a warning were yesterday not elaborated on by officers.
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The player is understood to have been seen driving-off in a blue Citroen C3 car with the registration SD18 WKE.
Police confirmed last night that they had recovered the car in the Cannich area of Glen Affric.
The vehicle was found at around 9.30pm on Monday night but it is believed it may have been in the area over weekend.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who has seen Richard or who saw his vehicle, particularly in the Glen Affric area over the weekend to get in touch.
Richard was last seen at around 1.20pm on Saturday, February 16 on Kinmylies Way in Inverness.
Richard is described as being around 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, with dark coloured hair and blue coloured eyes.
When he was last seen he was wearing a sky blue tracksuit top, light blue jeans or tracksuit bottoms and a dark grey bobble hat.
Detective Sergeant Craig Still said: “We are continuing to ask people to be alert and report anything which could help us locate Richard. In particular we would ask anyone who was in the Cannich area of Glen Affric and saw him or saw him walking on the A831 to contact us.
“We would like to thank members of the public who have assisted us so far.
“We continue to ask members of the public not to approach Richard but to contact police in the first instance.”
Anyone who has seen Richard or may have information as to his whereabouts to contact us on 101 using reference number NN/1135/19.
Detective Sergeant Craig Still said on Sunday: “We are urging anyone who has seen Richard or may have information as to his whereabouts to contact us.
“If you recognise the vehicle described, please get in touch.
“We would urge members of the public not to approach Richard but to contact police in the first instance.”
Mr Finnis is described as around 5ft11 in height, and of medium build, with dark hair and blue eyes.
He was last seen wearing a sky blue tracksuit top, light blue jeans or tracksuit bottoms and a dark grey bobble hat.
Mr Finnis had joined North Caledonian League outfit Inverness Athletic on loan from his parent club in December.
He was called back to the Strathspey fold towards the end of January.
Anyone with information that could assist police in their inquiries is asked to call 101.