Mum's plea to find lost son amid Navy search in Helensburgh

A mother has said she is “heartbroken” as she pleaded for help amid a major search for her missing son in Helensburgh.

Josh Gayton, 21, was last seen on CCTV at around 12.46am on the morning of Tuesday, April 16, in the town centre heading towards a footpath on East Clyde Street.

Police said enquiries and footage studied showed a man matching his description speaking with a member of the public at around 12.25am outside the Riva restaurant on West Clyde Street.

His mother, Katie Gayton, issued a plea on social media asking anyone with any information to contact the authorities.

Josh Gayton, 21, missing from Helensburgh Police Scotland

Glasgow & West

Royal Navy aids extensive search for man who disappeared three days ago

Concerns were raised for the 21-year-old after he did not attend work at Faslane Naval Base.

She wrote: “Please help find my son Josh Gayton lost in Helensburgh Scotland. We need to get him home.

“I’m heartbroken. If anyone has been him, anything at all please contact the Scotland police or myself, his mum.”

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence police are aiding police in searches by land, sea and air in the area, with the public urged to check outbuildings and sheds.

Police Scotland was notified the 21-year-old was missing after he failed to attend work at Faslane Naval Base.

Two vehicles – a white or light-coloured Mini and a blue van similar to a Ford Titanium Connect – may have driven past him as he was walking on East Clyde Street between 12.15am and 12.46am.

The van may have had red writing on it and alloy wheels, police said.

Any members of the public who may have spoken to or seen the man are being urged to contact police as a matter of urgency.

He is described as 5ft 9 in height, of stocky build, with brown hair and a red/brown beard.

He was last seen wearing a grey Nirvana t-shirt, black trousers, white Nike trainers and a silver chain with a cross.

Local area commander chief inspector Allan Dickson said: “It is unusual for Josh to not be in touch with anyone and we are concerned about him.

“We have significant resources dedicated to this enquiry and we are urging the public to come forward with any information relating to his whereabouts.

“If you were in the area at the time, please think back, did you notice anyone matching his description?

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage showing Josh, or the two vehicles which may have driven past him between 12.15am and 12.46am.

“If anyone has seen Josh, or has any information as to his whereabouts, please contact police.

“I would also urge people who live in the area to check outbuildings and sheds.”

CI Dickson said a host of specialist officers were working in order to maximise the police response.

“You will see increased activity in the area, please do not be alarmed,” he said.

“We have adopted a multi-agency approach to this enquiry, assisted by the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence police, and searches will be carried out by land, sea and air.

“Anyone with any information can contact any of these officers, or call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0732 of Tuesday, April 16 2024.”