Police launch fresh appeal over missing teenager one year on from disappearance
Police are launching a new appeal for information about the case of a missing teenager, a year after he disappeared.
Aleksandr Benga, who would now be 17, was reported missing from Stornoway on Monday 18 November 2024. He was last seen on CCTV at around 8.45am near the water wheel on the grounds of Lews Castle in Scotland.
It sounds like this IndependentTogether with the charity Missing People, she hopes to help missing young people by raising £165,000 to launch SafeCall, a free new service that helps the 70,000 children reported missing each year find support and safety no matter what.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
Aleksandr is described by police as being 1.80 meters tall, of slim build and with short brown hair.
They said he was wearing a beige sweater and black jeans when he was last seen and had a yellow beanie hat with him.
He was also wearing a red jacket, which was later seized during search activity in Seaforth Road, Stornoway.
Extensive searches were carried out at the time, involving both local and national resources, specialist search advisors, police dogs and the police mountain rescue team, as well as assistance from the coastguard and community volunteers.
Inspector Euan Cowan, of Police Scotland, said: “It has been a year since Aleksandr was last seen and we recognize how difficult this continues to be for his family and friends.
“Despite extensive searches and investigations involving specialist teams and partner organisations, Aleksandr remains missing. We continue to examine all available information and will act on any new details that come to light.
“I would once again urge anyone who has not yet spoken to the police, or who may have even the slightest information, to get in touch. “No detail is too trivial and [it] can help with our questions.
“Aleksandr’s family expresses their gratitude to everyone who has offered help and support over the past year and requests that their privacy be respected.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0803 of 18 November 2024.
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service to help vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one is lost, text Missing People or call 116 000 for advice, support and options. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. Or visit: misspeople.org.uk/get-help
