Members of the public have been told not to place themselves at risk in trying to help the search
Police have issued new images of a missing boy as concerns for his welfare grow. “Vulnerable” 16-year-old Athrun was last seen at 2pm on Saturday at West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy county.
“Extensive” land, air and water searches by specialists from several agencies are ongoing. A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “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.”
When Athrun was last seen he was close to the boating lake and playpark at West Shore Beach, wearing blue and white patterned swim shorts.
At the time of his disappearance he was not wearing ear defenders, as had been seen in one of the images shared by police.
He is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, with short dark hair, and may walk with an unusual gait.
The police spokesperson said: “We continue to treat the investigation as a high-risk missing person enquiry and are committing significant resources to the search with assistance from a number of partner agencies including the Coastguard, NPAS (National Police Air Service) and SARDA (Search and Rescue Dogs Association).”
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.”
A coastguard spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard has been assisting North Wales Police with the search for a 16-year-old male, missing since about 3.40pm yesterday in the Llandudno area.
“Llandudno, Bangor Penmon and Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Teams, Conwy RNLI inshore Lifeboat and a coastguard helicopter have joined other emergency rescue resources in the search, which has been ongoing throughout yesterday evening and today.”
Pictures show the helicopter search operation has covered areas of Conwy and Deganwy as well as Llandudno.
You can follow live updates on the search operation here.
