The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Family ‘realistic’ as search scaled back
The family of a 16-year-old boy missing from Aberdeen for three months “are being realistic about the challenges around finding him” as the search operation is scaled back.
Liam Smith was reported missing on Sunday November 18 having last been seen in Queen’s Road, Aberdeen, the previous day.
CCTV showed him at Union Square later on the Saturday afternoon when he boarded a 202 Stagecoach bus for Aberdeenshire at 1.11pm.
He bought a ticket for Raemoir Road in Banchory but a fellow passenger reported him getting off at Crathes.
Despite police receiving more than 200 reports of sightings, no trace has been made of the teenager as officers conclude their searches in Crathes.
In a statement issued through Police Scotland, the family asked for privacy in what has been an “incredibly difficult time”.
The statement said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from members of the public and the communities of the north-east.
“While we are very grateful to everyone who has contacted us with good intentions and offers to help, we would respectfully request that we are now not directly contacted and that our privacy is respected.
“Understandably, it has been a highly stressful and emotional time since Liam left home and as a family we are struggling to come to terms with his disappearance.
“With this in mind, we ask that all new information is directed to the police and not the family.”
Specialist resources including the police helicopter, search dogs, search advisers and the dive and marine unit have been used in the last three months while looking for Liam.