Specialist cops called to hunt for Scots teen missing since Monday

Aleksandr Benga.
-Credit: (Image: Police Scotland.)


Police officers are continuing the search for a teenager who vanished from a Scots town earlier this week. Aleksandr Benga was last seen in Stornoway.

The 16-year-old disappeared on Monday, after last being seen at around 8.45am near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle.

Today Police Scotland issued two new photographs of the 6ft 2ins tall youngster, who is slim and has short brown hair, in a bid to help track him down.

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Aleksandr Benga.
Aleksandr Benga. -Credit:Police Scotland.

Officers describe him as wearing black jeans and a beige jumper when he was last seen, and they believe he may also have had a yellow beanie hat and a red jacket.

The missing persons probe has so far seen specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness travelling to the island to assist with the ongoing extensive searches.

Partner agencies are also providing support. Inspector David Hall said: "We are continuing to appeal for the help of the public in tracing Aleksandr, who has now been missing for over 96 hours.

"We have been reviewing CCTV and footage provided by members of the public and we now have a better idea of Aleksandr's whereabouts prior to the sighting at the water wheel, however we still do not know where he went next."

The teen has been missing while yellow weather warnings were in place. Inspector Hall explained: "I urge Stornoway residents to check any outbuildings and sheds you may have in case he has sought shelter from the cold.

"I would also ask anyone with private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to please review it and contact us if you think you’ve captured him passing.

"We are very concerned for this young man's welfare. Aleksandr, if you see this, please get in touch with us and let us know you are safe."

If you have any information on Aleksandr's whereabouts, contact Police Scotland via 101 as soon as possible, quoting incident 0803 of 18 November, 2024.

There are also yellow weather warnings in place for Stornoway for tomorrow, with the Met Office warning high winds could cause damage to buildings and risk of "injuries and danger to life".

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