Police ‘extremely concerned’ after week of searching fails to find missing boy

Police have said they are “extremely concerned” after a week of “extensive searches” failed to trace a teenage boy missing from the Western Isles.

Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last seen in Stornoway at around 8.45am on Monday, November 18 near the water wheel within the grounds of Lews Castle.

He was reported missing shortly after but officers have been unable to find him.

He is described as 6ft 2 in height and of a slim build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans and had a yellow beanie hat with him.

Police are urging anyone with information or dash-cam footage to come forward as officers continue work to identify his movements.

Inspector David Hall said: “We are extremely concerned for Aleksandr, especially given the cold weather conditions lately.

“Since Aleksandr was reported missing almost one week ago, we have been carrying out extensive searches and inquiries in and around the Stornoway area.”

Inspector Hall said police have worked with specialist search teams including the police mountain team and search dogs.

“Despite these efforts and previous appeals, we have yet to trace him,” he added.

“His family and friends are extremely upset and concerned by his disappearance.

“We have reviewed CCTV and footage provided by the public, however, we have been unable to establish the exact route he travelled after leaving the water wheel on the morning of Monday, November 18.

“To help us establish this, we would ask any drivers with dashcams who were either travelling on the A859 between Willowglen Road, Stornoway and Cameron Terrace, Lochs or on Pentland Road between 8.45am and 12pm on Monday, 18 November, to please contact us.”

Those who may have information about the teen’s whereabouts are urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0803 of November 18.