Police urge public assistance as search for missing 16-year-old continues.
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In a heart-wrenching situation that has gripped the Stornoway community, extensive search operations are underway to locate 16-year-old Aleksandr Benga, who has been missing for nearly a week. The teenager was last seen on the morning of November 18, around AM, near the water wheel located in the scenic grounds of Lews Castle.
His disappearance has raised significant concerns among family, friends, and local authorities.
Details of the missing teenager
Described as standing 6 feet 2 inches tall with a slim build and short brown hair, Aleksandr was last spotted wearing a beige jumper and black jeans.
He was also carrying a yellow beanie hat at the time of his disappearance. Inspector David Hall of Police Scotland has expressed deep concern for Aleksandr’s safety, particularly given the harsh cold weather conditions that have prevailed in the area recently.
Community involvement and police efforts
Since the report of Aleksandr’s disappearance, police have conducted extensive searches in and around Stornoway, utilizing specialized search advisors, police dogs, and a mountain rescue team. Local partner agencies have joined the efforts, demonstrating the community’s commitment to finding the missing teenager. Despite these extensive efforts, including reviewing CCTV footage and public submissions, authorities have yet to establish Aleksandr’s movements after he left the water wheel.
Call for public assistance
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance, particularly to drivers who may have dash cam footage. They are specifically interested in any recordings made on the A859 between Willowglen Road, Stornoway, and Cameron Terrace, Lochs, or on Pentland Road between AM and 12 PM on November 18. Anyone with information regarding Aleksandr’s whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0803 of November 18, 2024.
Another missing person case in the Western Isles
As the search for Aleksandr continues, another case has emerged in the Western Isles. Shanahan MacInnes, a woman from Benbecula, has been missing since early Friday morning, November 22. She was last seen in the Tindill Road area of Balivanich. Search efforts for Shanahan have resumed, with coastguard crews, firefighters, and mountain rescue teams assisting police in their search. Authorities have expressed increasing concern for her safety as well.
The community’s response to these incidents highlights the importance of vigilance and support during such distressing times. As search efforts continue, the hope remains that both Aleksandr and Shanahan will be found safe and sound.
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