Urgent search underway after ‘vulnerable’ boy goes missing near sea
A major search has been launched after a ‘vulnerable’ teenager was last spotted near a north Wales beach only in his swimming trunks.
Searches are underway in Llandudno, north Wales, after 16-year-old Athrun was last seen near the water only wearing his blue swimming shorts.
He is considered a ‘high-risk missing person,’ the police said, and concern is growing for his welfare.
The alarm was raised at around 2pm yesterday after Athrun was last seen on the West Shore Beach near the boating lake and play area.
The police are using ‘significant resources to the search’ as the investigation is being treated as a ‘high-risk missing person enquiry.’
Athrun is described as around 6ft tall and of slim build and he may walk with an ‘unusual gait.’
He was last seen wearing blue and white patterned swim shorts.
The Coastguard, police helicopters and search and rescue dogs have been deployed.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale said: ‘Significant areas of Llandudno have already been searched, and these searches continue.
‘Officers continue to support Athrun’s family while attempts to locate him continue.
‘I would ask that anyone with dash cam footage in the vicinity of West Shore between 12pm and 6pm reviews it to check for any sightings of Athrun.
‘Also, if you took any photographs in the West Shore area of Llandudno yesterday, please can you let us know. As previously described, he was last seen wearing just blue swimming shorts, with no top.’
People in the area were urged to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings.
A North Wales Police spokesperson said: ‘Extensive searches have taken place looking for Athrun and continue today with specialist search officers from several agencies. These include land, water and airborne searches.
‘At this time the public are asked to remain vigilant, but not to place themselves at risk by attempting to search areas which will already have been completed by professionals.’
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