Police appeal year on from teenage islander's disappearance

Aleksandr Benga went missing on 18 November last year

Police have reissued an appeal for information a year after a teenager disappeared in Lewis in the Western Isles.

Aleksandr Benga was 16 when he was reported missing on Monday 18 November.

He was last seen on CCTV at about 08:45 near a water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway.

Extensive searches have been made for Aleksandr, including by mountain rescue team volunteers, coastguard officers, divers and search dogs.

Insp Euan Cowan said it was a difficult time for the teenager's family and friends.

He said: "Despite extensive searches and inquiries involving specialist teams and partner agencies, Aleksandr remains missing.

"We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light."

The officer added: "I would again urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police, or who may have even the smallest piece of information, to get in touch. No detail is too minor and may assist with our inquiries.

"Aleksandr's family have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has offered help and support over the past year and have requested their privacy be respected."

Police sought sightings from drivers in Stornoway in the days after Aleksandr went missing

Aleksandr is described as 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build with short brown hair.

When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans. He may also have had a red jacket and a yellow beanie hat.

The effort to find Aleksandr has included checks of outbuildings, including sheilings - which are small shelters crofters used in summer while tending livestock - in case he had sought shelter from cold weather.

Police also stopped drivers in Stornoway to ask if they had seen the teenager.

In January, Specialist Search Dogs was unsuccessful in finding any trace of Aleksandr but the charity said it had managed to narrow the search area.