Poling hunting for missing teenager Liam Smith are switching their focus to Banchory.
Officers spent the day searching for the 16-year-old in Lumphanan after believing he travelled there by bus.
He has not been seen since Saturday, prompting a huge police search.
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But they they have now said they are “confident” the boy seen leaving the vehicle there was not Liam, and believe he may have stayed on the bus until Banchory instead.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said: “We are continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward and we now would particularly ask people in the Banchory area to think back to Saturday and consider if they have seen Liam then or at any time since.
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“We know that Liam bought a ticket for Raemoir Road, Banchory, and would ask anyone who may have been in that area around 2.00pm to think back to that time as they may be able to assist us in establishing his current whereabouts.”
He added: “Naturally Liam’s family is extremely concerned and we just want to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe and well.
“I would also like to thank residents in Lumphanan for their support of our enquiries today and continue to urge anyone with information to let us know as soon as possible.”
The teenager is white, 6ft 4in and slim.
He has short brown hair and, when he was last seen, was wearing a dark top, blue jeans and Nike Air Max trainers, and also carrying a camouflage North Face backpack.
