Forensic police investigators were yesterday searching the home of an Aberdeenshire man who has not been seen for a week.
Officers are appealing for assistance to help trace Rhynie resident Alan Jones who has been reported missing from the small Aberdeenshire village on Friday May 25.
The-52-year-old was last seen in the area of the Donside village on Monday May 21 and has not been spotted since.
Last night, police said they were growing “increasingly concerned” over the disappearance of the English mechanic.
Friend Billy Pow said the disappearance was “out of character” for Mr Jones who lives alone on the village’s main thoroughfare.
He said: “I saw the police in the morning with white suits and masks going into the house so it’s hard to know what they were doing there.
“He has been in Rhynie for donkey’s years and worked as a self-employed mechanic. Folk would bring their cars to him for fixing.
“He’s quiet and keeps to himself but he’s a fine guy. He’d really do anything for you.
“What’s strange is that he couldn’t walk well so he couldn’t have gone far on foot.”
A neighbour said: “I didn’t know him well, just saw him going out and about and he kept himself to himself. Rhynie is such a quiet place, so this is a bit of a mystery.”
Police and forensic teams were spotted yesterday entering Mr Jones’s house on Main Street – although it is still unclear as to what the outcome of the visit was.
Mr Jones has been described as 5ft 11in tall with short brown hair and speaks with an English accent.
He may have been wearing dark jeans and a dark t-shirt when he disappeared.
The village mechanic is known by the local community, with emotional comments posted on social media.
Lynn Yeats wrote: “Hope you are found safe, Alan, we are all so worried about you.”
A police appeal for his whereabouts on Facebook has had over 200 “shares”.
Inspector David Hoyle said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Alan’s welfare and so I would ask that if anyone recalls seeing him this week to call us with details.
“Also, if Alan becomes aware of our appeal to trace him, I would ask that he gets in contact with us to let us know he is safe and well.
If anyone has any information about his whereabouts they should contact Police Scotland on 101.
