The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Police swoop on house in Allan Bryant search
Fresh intelligence leads to investigation of property
Police searched a Glenrothes house yesterday in a dramatic development in the search for missing Allan Bryant Jr.
Officers swooped on a property in Barnton Place, in the Newcastle area of the town, after fresh intelligence is believed to have come to light more than three years after the then 23-year-old was last seen.
Yesterday, an emotional Allan Bryant Sr said that he hoped that this police action would provide his family with the breakthrough that they desperately wished for.
“I just hope that something comes from it,” he said. “We are playing a waiting game now. “I can’t go up there myself, it would just be too much”
Allan Jr was 23 when he disappeared after a night out with friends on November 3 2013.
He had been at Styx Nightclub on Caskieberran Road and nearby CCTV footage showed him leaving the venue in the early hours of the morning.
High-profile appeals have been made by both his family and the police, while searches have been conducted throughout the town and across the wider area of Fife.
However, there remains no trace of Allan Jr, who would now be 27, with his father having stated on several occasions that he believes his son is dead.
To date, it remains the largest missing person investigation ever undertaken by police in Fife.
Confirming that yesterday’s search was in connection with the investigation into Mr Bryant’s disappearance, Detective Inspector Stuart Wilson of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Officers executed a search warrant at an address in Barnton Place, Glenrothes, on Friday June 16 in connection with the ongoing investigation into missing man Allan Bryant.
“We remain committed to getting answers for the Bryant family and any information we receive from the community will be assessed and further action taken wherever appropriate.”
Mr Wilson added: “Anyone who may have information about Allan’s movements after he left Styx nightclub in Caskieberran Road in the early hours of 3 November 2013 is urged to get in touch as soon as possible and can pass information to Police Scotland by calling 101 or emailing operationtoner@scotland. pnn.police.uk”. jowatson@thecourier.co.uk Yesterday was clearly a significant day in the search for Allan Bryant Jr.
Just when it seemed like the search was running out of steam, investigators have shown very publicly that they are ready to act on any credible information supplied to them.
Having spoken to the Bryant family yesterday, like I have since their son disappeared more than three and a half years ago, it is safe to say that news of yesterday’s search is a bittersweet development.
Desperate for answers, yet equally desperate not to hear bad news, the family’s plight has generated a large and very emotional public response.
It is clear that yesterday’s warrant was executed on the back of fresh intelligence given to police, however, cool heads must prevail and gossip and rumour must not be allowed to be presented as fact in our communities until police investigators comment further.
It is also important to reiterate the police have always said there is no evidence to suggest Allan’s disappearance was the result of criminal behaviour, while there remains the real possibility that this search, like so many other leads before, could ultimately prove fruitless.
However, what is significant about this development is the message it sends out to people who may have information about Allan Jr: The police are listening and are willing to act.
Hopefully one day the Bryant family will get the answers they deserve.