Divers will today join the efforts to trace a Fraserburgh pensioner who was reported missing three days ago.
Specialist officers and the dog unit have been scouring the town and neighbouring areas for William Ritchie, known as Bill, who was last seen on Friday.
Today searchers will continue to check potential routes the 90-year-old might have taken in the days leading up to his disappearance, focusing on the A981 which runs from Strichen to Fraserburgh.
Specialist team and dog unit drafted in as searches continue for missing Fraserburgh man
Mr Ritchie regularly walked in and around the town and was known on occasion to have walked as far as Strichen and Memsie.
SEARCHES ONGOING
It has been three days since William Ritchie was reported missing to Police from his home in #Fraserburgh. Specialist officers are continuing their extensive searches today as part of the ongoing enquiry to find him.
To read more – https://t.co/mk4lbPHpjf pic.twitter.com/dZGu6zhlAt
— NorthEastPolice (@NorthEPolice) 17 January 2018
He was reported missing on Sunday by a neighbour at his home in the West Road area and officers continue to appeal to anyone who can piece together his movements to get in touch.
Fraserburgh Inspector Kevin Goldie said: “It has been three days since Mr Ritchie was reported missing to police and our concerns for him increase every day. This is before we start taking into account the current unfavourable weather conditions we are currently dealing with, what with the snow that fell overnight and freezing temperatures.
“Search teams are continuing with their efforts this morning focusing on the A981 which runs from Fraserburgh to Strichen. A dive unit will also be assisting to thoroughly check the harder to reach verges at the side of the road.
Can you help piece together missing north-east pensioner’s movements in the past week?
“Once again I would appeal to anyone who saw Mr Ritchie going as far back as the past couple of weeks to please get in touch as we continue to build a picture of his daily life. He is clearly a well-kent face in the area and there has been a great deal of support from the local community so far to help find him.”
Mr Ritchie is described as being around 5ft 7, of a slim build, with short grey hair. At this time it is not known what he is wearing when he went missing, however he usually wears a 3/4 length black jacket. He regularly shops at Asda, the local Co-op and attends at the post office at Mid Street.
Anyone with information should contact Police on 101 quoting incident no. 2549 of Jan 14.
