Police have thanked the public for their “overwhelming support” in the search for missing Aberdeen teenager Liam Smith as the major investigation into his disappearance enters its second month.
The 16-year-old was last seen on Saturday November 17 when he boarded the 202 Stagecoach bus at Union Square shortly after 1pm.
Liam, who was seen on CCTV in the city centre wearing a distinctive North Face camouflage backpack on the day he went missing, purchased a bus ticket for Raemoir Road in Banchory.
But after he stepped off the bus the trail went cold, with police so far unable to confirm precisely where he went next.
As the CCTV on the bus was broken, officers have had to rely on the recollections of passengers.
Following reports from one passenger on board the bus who said they believe they saw the missing teen depart in Crathes, the expansive search has been centred around the Deeside community.
However, despite employing the assistance of police helicopters, dog units and even divers to investigate waterways in the region, no clues have been found to help the officers find out where Liam is.
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Before Liam caught the bus, he purchased a bottle of Lucozade, a packet of Jaffa Cakes and a bar of Dairy Milk chocolate.
Officers have also asked people who may have seen these items in an unusual place to get in touch.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said the police have received a huge amount of assistance from the public so far and appealed for anyone who might have information to phone the police, no matter how insignificant they believe their assistance could be.
He said: “Significant searches have been carried out and are continuing in the Crathes area, where we understand Liam got off the 202 bus.
“A number of specialist police resources including the Police Scotland helicopter, specialist search dogs, police search advisors and the dive and marine unit have been utilised, but sadly there has been no trace of Liam or his belongings.
“These searches have been supported by Mountain Rescue Teams from Aberdeen and Braemar.
“Our searches are continuing and we are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from members of the public and the community.
“I would urge residents in this area to remain vigilant and report anything unusual to the police on 101.”
