Police dogs were drafted in this weekend as the search for a missing 45-year-old man entered its fifth day.
Marian Pavel, 45, who is Romanian, was reported missing from Huntly on Wednesday at around 7.30pm.
An extensive ground search has been carried out as part of police efforts to trace Mr Pavel, who was last seen near the Dean’s Shortbread Factory at Steven Road.
Officers have been scouring the area and confirmed they are becoming increasingly concerned about him.
They have appealed for anyone to come forward if they think they may have seen Mr Pavel in the area and have also directly appealed to Mr Pavel to come forward.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
They have also appealed for any drivers who may have dash-cam footage and were in the area on Wednesday night to get in touch with them.
Inspector Matt Smith said: “We continue to have serious concerns for Marian and have launched extensive searches in the area he was last seen.
“He hasn’t been seen nor heard from since Wednesday and our concerns increase as more days pass.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out inquiries including officers going house-to-house in the hope of anyone remembering seeing a man matching his description.
Police search continues for missing north east man last seen in Huntly
“We would urge anyone who was driving in the Steven Road area of Huntly during Wednesday evening and who has dashcam to please check it. We would also urge any businesses or private residences in the area to check any CCTV for Marian.
“If you have any information at all – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – please get in touch by calling 101 using reference number 4314 of February 20. You can also approach any of the officers who are out in Huntly.
“My last appeal is to Marian – if you see or hear this appeal, please get in touch with the police or someone you know. We want to know you are OK.”
Extensive searches are ongoing in the vicinity of the factory with assistance from the police dog unit.
Officers are also carrying out house-to-house inquiries and are reviewing local CCTV footage.
Mr Pavel is described as being around 6ft 2 tall with brown hair – which is shaved at the sides and usually pulled back in a ponytail.
When he was last seen, he was wearing a dark blue pullover, grey woolly hat, blue jeans and black shoes.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101.
