Efforts intensify as search for missing teen Liam enter 7th day

Further searches have today, Sunday, 25 November, been carried out in the Crathes and Banchory areas as part of enquiries to trace missing teenager Liam Smith.

The 16 year old was captured on CCTV entering Union Square shopping centre before boarding a 202 Stagecoach Bus at 1.11pm at Aberdeen Bus Station on Saturday, 17 November. It is understood that he bought a ticket for Raemoir Road in Banchory however a passenger has advised they understand Liam got off at Crathes.

Officers have spent the weekend focusing on three areas of interest, Aberdeen Bus Station, Crathes and Banchory. Officers were at Union Square, Aberdeen Bus Station and on board a number of 202 buses yesterday, Saturday, 24 November, and spoke to the drivers and passengers.

Specialist searches are ongoing in the Crathes area and have included farmland, woodland and some areas of water.

Police have been assisted by the Aberdeen and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams. Specialist resources have also been involved including the dog unit, patrols from road policing and a dash cam appeal at Crathes.

Huge matrix boards are also displayed at the entrance to Banchory asking members of the public if they have seen Liam.

Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said: “We are very grateful for the many messages of support for both Liam’s family and the police enquiry and the suggestions we have received. All information passed to us will be followed up.

“We don’t know where Liam was intending on going last Saturday and the Crathes and Banchory areas are vast and include challenging terrain.

"Despite searches already carried out Liam is still missing and we are continuing to urge anyone with information to contact police on 101 using reference number 1302 of 18 November."