The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Search and rescue teams focused on an area of the River Ericht in Perthshire yesterday in the hunt for missing man Lee Brown. Picture: Steve Macdougall.
Hunt continues for ‘vulnerable’ Blairgowrie man Lee Brown
Search and rescue teams focused on a Perthshire beauty spot yesterday as the hunt for missing Blairgowrie man Lee Brown continued.
Concerns continue to mount for the “high risk” 34-year-old, who has been described as “vulnerable” by police.
Officers appealed to people living in the Upper Rattray and Balmoral Road areas to check their sheds, garages or outhouses in case Mr Brown had hidden inside.
A large search and rescue mission was deployed yesterday afternoon close to the banks of the River Ericht at the Keathbank Mills footbridge.
Rescue teams could be seen searching the shallows of the fast-flowing river on either side of the bridge as specially trained dogs worked in the foliage on the banks.
Three fire engines, two vans, two rescue craft, a search van with dogs and a police vehicle waited in the car park between Balmoral Road and the river.
Mr Brown was last seen at his home in the Blairgowrie area at around 1.45am on Friday November 30.
Emergency services began a major operation on Saturday night after it was reported that a man had been seen in the river “clinging to a rock”.
Residents, including friends and family of Mr Brown, joined the search on Saturday night, though only trained rescue teams were seen in the river yesterday.
Local MSP, and deputy first minister, John Swinney said: “I share the local community’s concern for Lee, and I hope that he is found safe and well.
“My thoughts are with him, along with his friends and family, during this period of uncertainty.
“Anyone with any information regarding Lee’s whereabouts should contact Police Scotland.”
Blairgowrie Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers said her thoughts were with Mr Brown’s family and friends.
“Thanks to all those from the emergency services, and members of the public, who have taken part in the search over the weekend,” she added.
SNP councillor Tom Mcewan said he was praying for a positive resolution.
“With the search still ongoing for Mr Brown, using specialist police resources and Tayside fire and rescue teams, I urge the public to be vigilant and report any information they may have,” he said.
A police spokesman urged anyone with information on Mr Brown’s possible whereabouts to get in touch.
He said: “Lee walks with a walking stick and is described as white, around 5ft 10 tall with short brown hair.
“He has a slim build and could possibly be wearing a camouflage jacket and a blue bucket hat.
“He has friends and acquaintances in the Perth and Blairgowrie areas and inquiries are ongoing in each area.”