LISTEN: Sister makes emotional appeal for missing brother to 'come home'
Samuel Townsey was last seen in Glasgow city centre back in October but no one has heard from him since.
Police are stepping up the search across the central belt for a 28-year-old man who’s been missing for more than three months.
Samuel Townsey was last seen in Glasgow city centre back in October but no one has heard from him since.
Police say he may have been spotted in Clydebank last month and are stepping up the search to find him.
Our reporter Shiona McCallum attended a press conference at Dumbarton police station earlier:
Today, Samuel’s sister, Ann Margaret Allan, appealed for him to get in touch and come home. She said: “On behalf of our whole family, I would like to appeal to anyone watching this who has any information at all as to the whereabouts of our much loved and missed Samuel.
“He is a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend and his disappearance has left a gaping void in all our hearts. If you are in contact with Samuel, please let him know we only want him to get in touch so that we know he is safe and well. He is in no trouble at all and he is dearly loved and needed by those who are looking for him. We are praying for his safe return and Sammy if you see this, please come home where you are loved. We will get you any help you need and look after you. You are not alone. You are sadly missed and I am sorry that you have suffered so much. You will never be on your own again. God Bless you my brother.”
Extensive enquiries have been undertaken with officers liaising with colleagues in other areas of Scotland and with British Transport Police colleagues for any additional information on where Samuel may have gone to.
Officers are also linking in with homeless charities and posters of Samuel have been placed around the local areas of Clydebank and Dumbarton.
Samuel is described as white, around 5 ft 3 inches in height, stocky build, short brown hair and scars on his forehead. Although Samuel may have changed his appearance since he was last seen.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw said: “While Samuel isn’t always in regular contact with his family he does eventually get in touch. This time has been different and no-one has had any contact from him for a considerable length of time. His family is, understandably, very worried and just want to know he is ok. I would appeal to anyone who has seen Samuel or has had any contact with him to get in touch with us. Equally, if Samuel hears or sees this appeal, please do get in touch with a police officer so we can verify you are safe and well.”
From enquiries carried out so far, the last confirmed sighting of Samuel is Union Street, Glasgow around 9.30am on Wednesday 19 October 2016. Officers have also received a report that Samuel may have visited the Marie Trust in Midland Street, Glasgow later that day. Enquiries are ongoing to establish this.
Other possible sightings reported to police include Cathcart Road around 7 to 10 days before Christmas and a possible sighting at Clydebank Job Centre between 4 and 11 January 2017. Officers from the missing person enquiry team continue to review the CCTV footage to establish confirmation of these sightings.
Areas Samuel is known to visit include Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Glasgow City Centre and the Grangemouth and Falkirk. Enquiries have been carried out in these locations, however, efforts to locate Samuel have so far proved unsuccessful.
Officers are appealing for anyone who has seen Samuel or has any information as to his whereabouts to contact them at Irvine Police Office via 101.