A MAJOR hunt has resumed for a missing teenager who disappeared in freezing conditions in the Outer Hebrides.
Aleksandr Benga was last seen around 8.45am on Monday, November 18 near the waterwheel in the Lews Castle Grounds at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
More than 50 coastguards have been involved in the search for Aleksandr[/caption]
Police say they are growing “increasingly concerned” for his welfare.
It is believed he disappeared last year exactly at the same time before being found.
The 16-year-old was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may be in possession of a red jacket.
He is described as 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build with short brown hair.
The hunt for the teen comes amid bone-chilling temperatures that has seen the mercury plunge as low as -9C on the Isle of Lewis.
The region is under a severe weather warning for snow and ice until Thursday at noon.
More than 50 coastguards from every team on Lewis and Harris have been involved in the search for Alexsandr as well as police, Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team, fire service personnel and others.
The Inverness-based Coastguard search and rescue helicopter transported extra police to the island on Tuesday.
They may not be directly involved in the search, but free up local officers to do so.
Police Scotland said today that searches were “ongoing”.
Coastguard and fire personnel searched the castle grounds, Willowglen, and adjacent areas.
The Stornoway coastguard search and rescue helicopter also joined the search on Monday and Tuesday, while Stornoway Lifeboat scoured the coastline between Arnish and the inner harbour.
Inspector David Hall 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.”
