Police appeal for rucksack and camping mat in search for missing man last seen on north-east beach

Police are trying to trace a rucksack and camping mat which belong to a missing man last seen at a north-east beach.

Alastair Done, was last seen at Balmedie Beach on January 5, and more than a week later has still to be traced.

The 25-year-old from Cheshire was seen in the car park area by a dog walker who later raised his concerns to police.

Extensive inquiries were subsequently carried out and he was later identified as Mr Done, who had travelled from Crewe Train Station on January 4 to Aberdeen Railway Station.

That afternoon he headed in the direction of Balmedie and stayed in the White Horse Inn overnight.

He was captured on CCTV at the Premier Stores at Balmedie at around 11am on Saturday buying food and drink, and various sightings have been provided from members of the public of having seen him in the beach area that afternoon.

There has been no confirmed sightings of Mr Done since then however clothes and personal items that match those he was wearing have been recovered on the beach around one mile north of the car park.

Police have yet to locate a black rucksack and blue camping mat they believe he had in his possession.

And on Saturday, officers also appealed for a person who was believed to have been flying a drone in the beach area on the day Mr Done was seen to come forward. 

Detective Inspector Sam Buchan said: “Enquiries and searches have been ongoing throughout the weekend to trace Alastair including an appeal to trace a person flying a drone at the beach on the Saturday afternoon he was last seen. I can confirm that this person has now come forward and would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal.

“In addition we have yet to find a black rucksack and blue camping mat we think Alastair had prior to his disappearance. If you come across these items please get in touch.”

He added: “I would once again like to thank all those who have been in touch with information which has helped us build a better picture of Alastair’s movements since arriving in Aberdeen. We are still trying to establish exactly why he would come here though so I would urge anyone who knows him from his hometown and has information to get in touch.

“I still don’t believe Alastair has a mobile phone with him however if he sees or hears this appeal I would ask him to get in touch with us immediately.”

Mr Done is described as being around 5ft11, has a ‘buzz’ haircut and wears glasses.

When last seen he was wearing a black hooded fleece, black walking boots and was carrying a black rucksack with a blue roll-mat attached. He also had a green shopping bag in his hand.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.