Police and coastguard continue to search for missing teenager on Isle of Lewis

A search for a missing 16-year-old boy who was last seen on the Isle of Lewis is continuing, the coastguard has said.

Aleksandr Benga was last seen at 8.45am on Monday near the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle, near Stornoway.

Police and the coastguard have launched a search to trace the missing teenager, with the latter stating they were still searching for him at around 10.45pm on Wednesday.

He is described as being 6ft 2in, of slim build and has short brown hair.

When last seen he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may also have a red jacket.

Inspector David Hall, of Police Scotland, said: “Extensive searches are ongoing across Stornoway, and we are being assisted by partners and officers travelling from the mainland in order to trace Aleksandr as soon as possible.

“We are reviewing CCTV to establish which direction Aleksandr has travelled. I would ask anyone with private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to please review it and contact us if you think you’ve captured him passing.

“It is extremely cold outside and we think Aleksandr isn’t suitably dressed for the weather. Please check your gardens, outbuildings and sheds in case he may have sought shelter there.

“As time goes on, we are growing increasingly 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.”

Anyone with information on Aleksandr’s whereabouts should contact Police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible, quoting incident 0803 of November 18.