Officers 'extremely concerned' for missing teen six days after disappearance from Isle of Lewis

Officers are “extremely concerned” for a missing teenager almost one week after his disappearance from the Isle of Lewis.

Aleksandr Benga was last seen at around 8.45am on Monday, November 18, near the water wheel on the grounds of Lews Castle.

The 16-year-old is described by police as 6ft2 tall and of slim build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and police say he “may have a red jacket and yellow beanie hat.”

Specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness travelled to the island to assist with the ongoing extensive searches, and partner agencies are providing support.

Police are urging anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts to come forward.

Inspector David Hall said: “We are extremely concerned for Aleksandr, especially given the cold weather conditions lately.

“Since Aleksandr was reported missing almost one week ago, we have been carrying out extensive searches and enquiries in and around the Stornoway area.

“Officers, led by specialist search advisors, have been assisted by police dogs and a police mountain rescue team.

“Our partner agencies are also helping with searches. Despite these efforts and previous appeals, we have yet to trace him. His family and friends are extremely upset and concerned by his disappearance.

“We have reviewed CCTV and footage provided by the public, however we have been unable to establish the exact route he travelled after leaving the water wheel on the morning of Monday, November 18.

“To help us establish this, we would ask any drivers with dashcams who were either travelling on the A859 between Willowglen Road, Stornoway and Cameron Terrace, Lochs or on Pentland Road between 8.45am and 12pm on Monday, November 18, to please contact us.

“If you have any information on Aleksandr’s whereabouts, contact Police Scotland via 101 as soon as possible, quoting incident 0803 of November 18, 2024.”