LISTEN: Mountain rescue team join search for missing Kathleen

The 15-year-old was last seen on the banks of the River Tay near Woody Island in the North Muirton area at around 9.30pm on Saturday, October 8.

Published 10th Oct 2016

Specialist emergency teams have been deployed in the search for a teenager missing in Perth.

Kathleen Harkin, 15, was last seen on the banks of the River Tay near Woody Island in the North Muirton area at around 9.30pm on Saturday October 8.

She is described as approximately 5ft in height and of medium build with long dark hair.

She was wearing black ripped jeans, a black bomber-style jacket and black Nike trainers.

Specialist units including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Tayside Mountain Rescue have been deployed, with police becoming “increasingly worried'' for her welfare.

Search and rescue dogs and a police helicopter have also joined the search.

Chief Inspector Maggie Pettigrew said: “Kathleen has been missing since Saturday evening and we are extremely concerned for her welfare. Since she was reported missing we have been carrying out searches in the North Muirton area of Perth, in particular Woody Island and along the river banks where she was last seen. Kathleen's mobile telephone was handed in to police by a member of the public who found it in this area.

“As the terrain is difficult and dangerous, specialist teams who have the necessary training and equipment for this environment have been brought in to assist in a co-ordinated search. I would ask that residents and owners of premises in North Muirton assist by checking their property and outbuildings.

“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Tayside Mountain Rescue, Police Scotland Mountain Rescue, Police Dog Unit, the Police Helicopter and Police Scotland Dive and Marine Unit will all be involved in further searches today in the area of Woody Island and along the river from Scone Palace to the bridges at the city centre.

“Kathleen is described as being about 5 feet tall, of medium build with long dark hair and when she was last seen she was wearing a black bomber style jacket, black jeans (ripped at the knee) and black Nike trainers.

"Kathleen attends Perth Grammar School and support will be available from Education and Children’s Services at Perth Grammar School this afternoon until 5pm and tomorrow morning from 9.30am.

“I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our enquiry so far and would urge that anyone who has information that could assist us in tracing Kathleen should contact us on 101."