Andy Gibson's Informing Britain - Informing Scotland

POLICE NOT IGNORING CIVILIANS' OFFER OF SUPPORT IN SEARCH FOR ABERDEEN'S LIAM SMITH | INFORMING BRITAIN

11/12/2018

It's been over 4 weeks since a budding sportsman from Aberdeen by the name of Liam Smith was reported missing.

Liam, from the Queen's Road area of Aberdeen City was last seen boarding a StageCoach bus on Saturday 17 November 2018 at Aberdeen Bus Station adjacent to the Union Square shopping complex.

16-year-old Liam was last captured on CCTV at Union Square shortly before he boarded the 13:15, number 202 StageCoach bus on Saturday 17 November 2018, which would have taken him in the direction of Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

Hundreds of residents from the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas of Grampian have offered their assistance in the search but, for safety reasons, Police Scotland have to respectfully decline people's assistance.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland in Aberdeen said:

"At the moment there are no plans to involve the public. We know that many people have offered to assist with searches however we carry out these operations in a highly specialised, methodical way with officers who are trained and experienced. We have a plan in place to ensure that all the land we need to cover is searched effectively and that nothing is left unchecked."

"The land we're covering is also very challenging in places with areas of water and is only being searched by specialist officers and resources. Our priority is always public safety and we don’t want anyone put in harm's way."

"We know that people will be out walking in the Crathes and Banchory areas anyway and we would of course welcome anyone's efforts to keep an eye out for Liam. Please don't think that your offers of help are being ignored - organised public searches can be very resource and time-intensive to coordinate and, at the moment, our time is extremely precious."

It is believed Liam alighted a StageCoach at Crathes (at approximately 14:04) or Raemoir Road in Banchory (at approximately 14:11).

Liam is white, around 6 foot 4 inches tall and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

He was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers.

He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's before he left Aberdeen.

Have you seen any of these items abandoned in the Grampian region: Lucozade bottle, Jaffa Cakes & Dairy Milk packets or anything in the images below?

Anyone with information are asked to contact police on 101 using reference number 1302 of Sunday 18 November 2018.

OFFICERS CONFIRM KINMYLIES BODY IDENTITY | INFORMING BRITAIN

11/12/2018

Police Scotland can confirm that the body found in the Lawers Way area of Inverness on Sunday 9 December 2018 at approximately 15:00 is that of missing Jade McGrath.

© McGrath Family / Google

The 19-year-old, originally from Aviemore, had been reported missing on Wednesday 28 November 2018.

There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

Inspector James Rice said:

"Our thoughts are with Jade's family and friends at this sad time."

"We remain very grateful to the local community for their support during this enquiry."

BODY FOUND IN KINMYLIES AREA AFTER SEARCH FOR MISSING JADE | INFORMING BRITAIN

9/12/2018

Police Scotland can confirm they have recovered a body from Lawers Way, Inverness at approximately 15:00 on Sunday 9 December 2018.

© GOOGLE

The body is believed to be that of missing Jade McGrath from the Inverness area.

The family of Jade McGrath have been informed at this time.

Formal identification is still to take place.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

FAMILY OF MISSING JADE ISSUE STATEMENT FOR SAFE RETURN | INFORMING BRITAIN

4/12/2018

The family of Jade McGrath, 19, reported missing in Inverness, have issued a statement through Police Scotland.

They said:

"As each day goes on, we are growing increasingly concerned for Jade and we just desperately want answers and to know where she is."

"There has been a massive amount of support from friends and family, as well as people we have never met, and that is what is keeping us going."

"Anyone who was in the Leachkin area last Wednesday afternoon from around 1.45pm, please think back and if you think you might have seen anything please call the police."

"Jade is about 5ft 2in, very petite with long bleached blonde hair with dark roots and only very faint wisps of blue in the ends."

"She was wearing a khaki green parka with a fluffy hood, which went down to her thighs, black leggings and black/white Nike trainers."

"She has distinctive Alice In Wonderland tattoos on one of her forearms. On the same arm she has diamond and club symbols from a pack of cards on her fingers, as well as a small diamond tattoo on her hand."

"She had no phone or money with her and she would most likely have been in a distressed state if you saw her."

"We are grateful to everyone who has helped so far and are just desperate for news."

"If Jade is reading this, we want you to know that we love you very much and we just want you home safe."

Further searches have been carried out today in and around the Leachkin area of Inverness as part of efforts to trace Jade almost a week on from when she was last seen.

The last confirmed sighting of the 19-year-old from Aviemore remains in the Leachkin Road area around 14:00 on Wednesday 28 November 2018.

© GOOGLE

Searches have been ongoing in and around the area, with police supported by members of the RAF and Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Teams, HM Coastguard.

Specialist resources such as police dogs and the Police Scotland helicopter have also been involved.

Officers will also be canvassing drivers and pedestrians in the area in the early afternoon of Wednesday 5 December 2018 - a week on from the last confirmed sighting of Jade - in case they have information which could prove helpful.

Inspector James Rice said:

"We are now almost a week on from when Jade was last seen and naturally her family are extremely anxious for news about her."

"We are very grateful for the continued support of the public and the numerous pieces of information which have been passed to us - you can be assured that everything passed to us is followed up."

"Despite extensive efforts and the information received from the public, the last confirmed sighting of Jade remains in the Leachkin Road area almost a week ago."

"We would continue to ask local residents to be watchful and let us know if you believe you have seen Jade last Wednesday or any time since."

"Please continue to check anywhere Jade could have sought shelter on your property, review any dash-cam footage or anything else which you think may prove helpful."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 1997 of Wednesday 28 November, 2018.

NEW IMAGES RELEASED AS MULTI-AGENCY SEARCH LAUNCHED FOR MISSING JADE | INFORMING BRITAIN

3/12/2018

A multi-agency search was launched by various authorities over this past weekend for missing 19-year-old Jade McGrath, with further searches and enquiries in Inverness continuing today (Monday 3 December, 2018).

MISSING PERSON: Jade McGrath

Police Scotland officers were assisted by mountain rescue teams, the coastguard, the Police Scotland dog unit and helicopter over the weekend, with air support continuing today.

Leachkin Road, Inverness | © GOOGLE

The search teams have been focusing in and around the Leachkin Road area, the last location we have a confirmed sighting of Jade last Wednesday early afternoon (28 November 2018).

AVIEMORE RAILWAY STATION: Did Jade take a train there?

Jade, who is from Aviemore, is vulnerable and as more days pass our concerns for her increase.

Inspector James Rice said:

“Extensive efforts are still ongoing to find Jade including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries alongside intelligence-led work to piece together her movements."

“We have received numerous sightings from the public – all of which I am grateful for and we continue to work through all information provided by the public. Our last confirmed sighting is still at Leachkin Road last Wednesday and I would urge anyone who saw Jade on this day or since then to please get in touch as soon as possible."

“If you live in the area please check any sheds or outbuildings in case Jade sought shelter. She is thought to be wearing a light grey turtle neck top, parka jacket, black leggings and black / white-coloured Nike trainers and would certainly not be warm enough for the cold weather. Also if you have dash-cam footage of the area which hasn’t been wiped yet, let us know."

“We are still keeping in close contact with Jade’s family who are well aware of the challenges of some of the woodland areas we have been searching."

“To Jade – I still appeal for you to come forward if you see this appeal You are not in any trouble – we all just want to make sure you are OK.”

Jade is described as being around 5 foot 1 inches / 5 foot 2 inches in hight and of a slim build with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

She has distinctive Alice In Wonderland tattoos.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 1997 of Wednesday 28 November, 2018.

THE SEARCH FOR INVERNESS JADE CONTINUES | INFORMING BRITAIN

2/12/2018

Police are continuing to appeal for information which could help trace Jade McGrath who has been reported missing from the Inverness area.

The 19-year-old was last seen during the early afternoon of Wednesday 28 November 2018 in the Leachkin area of Inverness.

Police would like to thank those who have already provided information regarding Jade but are now appealing for further help in order to ensure her safety as soon as possible.

Police would especially like to hear from any drivers with dash cam footage from 1:30pm on Wednesday 28th November 2018 who travelled on Leachkin Road, General Booth Road or King Brude Road areas of Inverness.

Jade is described as being approximately 5 foot 1 inches in height and of slim build.

She has platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a light grey turtle neck top, parka jacket, black leggings and black/white Nike trainers.

Anyone with information which could help locate Jade is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference NN12175/18.

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO FIND MISSING LIAM SMITH - TWO WEEKS ON | INFORMING BRITAIN

1/12/2018

It has been two weeks since 16-year-old Liam Smith went missing and Police Scotland's efforts to find him are continuing.

Unfortunately Police Scotland's searches in the Crathes area have been hampered by the weather over the past few days, with the wet and windy conditions making the terrain even more challenging.

However, their experienced team are trained to deal with this and investigators would still urge the public not to take any unnecessary risks if you are out walking in the area.

16-year-old Liam was last captured on CCTV at Union Square shortly before he boarded the 13:15, number 202 StageCoach bus on Saturday 17 November 2018, which would have taken him in the direction of Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

Following information received by another passenger, police officers in the North East believe he got off the bus at Crathes and a subsequent credible sighting of him in the Crathes Estate area that afternoon has given Chief Inspector Martin Mackie's team further information to lead their searches.

Searches were undertaken inside the main water feature at the entrance of Crathes Castle grounds at 11:00 yesterday morning.

Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said:

"Over the past two weeks we have had assistance from every available resource at Police Scotland's disposal including the search helicopter, dog unit, dive unit and specialist police search advisers (Polsa). As we enter more challenging terrain every day we are now relying on a 'boots on the ground' approach to ensure dense wooded areas are properly checked. Many areas have also become flooded due to the wet weather so we are also deploying dive units to assist. There is no denying this is a difficult operation and we continue to review our options with every day that passes."

"Two weeks is a long time for any family to be without their son and we continue to keep in contact with Liam's family. Your comments and words of comfort are much appreciated by everyone involved. I would also like to thank the members of the public who have been leaving food and home-bakes for our officers who are searching out at Crathes – we have been shown incredible kindness by the local community.”

Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 quoting ref. no. 1302 of Nov 18.

Liam is white, around 6 foot 4 inches tall and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

He was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers.

He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's before he left Aberdeen.

Anyone with information are asked to contact police on 101 using reference number 1302 of Sunday 18 November 2018.

THE SEARCH FOR JADE McGRATH FROM INVERNESS CONTINUES, SAY POLICE | INFORMING BRITAIN

30/11/2018

Police in Inverness are continuing to appeal to local residents to be vigilant as efforts continue to trace Jade McGrath, who remains missing.

The 19-year-old was last seen during the early afternoon of Wednesday 28 November 2018 in the Leachkin area of the city.

Extensive efforts have been ongoing to locate her but so far these have been without success.

Jade, who is from the Aviemore area, is considered to be vulnerable and officers are keen to ensure her safety as soon as possible.

Inspector James Rice said:

"Jade has not been seen since Wednesday afternoon and as time passes her family are naturally growing increasingly concerned for her."

"We have been carrying out thorough enquiries to piece together Jade's movements since she was last seen."

"So far we do not have a confirmed sighting since she was seen in the Leachkin Road area so I would urge residents who live around that part of the city to be vigilant."

"Please thoroughly check any sheds or outbuildings in case Jade has sought shelter and report any information you feel could be of assistance to us as soon as you can."

"It is also possible that Jade could have travelled away from the area so I would urge everyone to be vigilant and get in touch if you believe you have information which could help."

"If Jade herself is reading this then please let us know you are okay. You are not in any trouble and your family just want to make sure you are safe."

Jade is described as being about 5 foot 1 inches in height and of slim build, with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a light grey turtle neck top, parka jacket, black leggings and black/white coloured Nike trainers.

Anyone with information which could help locate Jade is asked to call 101, quoting reference NN12175/18

POLICE LAUNCH APPEAL TO TRACE VULNERABLE INVERNESS' GIRL JADE McGRATH | INFORMING BRITAIN

29/11/2018

Police Scotland have launched an appeal to help locate a missing teenager from Inverness.

Police Scotland officers are appealing for information which could help them trace Jade McGrath who has been reported missing from the Inverness area.

The 19-year-old was last seen during the early afternoon of Wednesday 28 November 2018 in the Leachkin area of the city.

Jade, who also has links to the Aviemore area, is considered to be vulnerable and officers are keen to ensure her safety as soon as possible.

She is described as being about 5 foot 1 inches in height and of slim build, with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a light grey turtle neck top, parka jacket, black leggings and black/white coloured Nike trainers.

Anyone with information which could help locate Jade is asked to call Police Scotland at Inverness on 101, quoting reference NN12175/18.

CRATHES CONTINUES UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER 139 SIGHTINGS OF MISSING TEEN | INFORMING BRITAIN

28/11/2018

Specialist search teams from Police Scotland are continuing to carry out extensive inspections in the Crathes area of Aberdeenshire for teenager Liam Smith as it approaches two weeks since he was reported missing.

The 16-year-old was last captured on CCTV at Union Square shortly before he boarded the 202 13.15 StageCoach bus which would have taken him in the direction of Banchory.

Following information received by another passenger Chief Inspector Martin Mackie's team believe he got off the bus at Crathes and a subsequent credible sighting of him in the Crathes Estate area that afternoon have given Police Scotland further information to lead their searches.

In total Police Scotland have received 139 reported sightings of Liam from the public in various locations across the North East including Inverurie, Kemnay and Rothienorman.

As a result of extensive enquiries including CCTV work and identifying the young men that were believed to be Liam, these sightings have been eliminated.

Chief Inspector Martin Mackay, who is the senior investigating officer of this case, said:

“Every available Police resource has been dedicated to our search for Liam and it continues to cause us all great concern that he has not yet been found. Eleven days is a long time for a teenage boy who has little experience of the outdoors to be missing and as more time passes without seeing or hearing from him, we need to be realistic about the options we have moving forward."

“The terrain we are entering with regard to our searches is extremely challenging - not helped by the current weather - and even our own officers are finding it difficult to navigate certain areas. They are trained and experienced to do this though and we will continue to ensure that all the land we need to cover is searched effectively."

“I know that many members of the public are still offering to assist with searches and please don’t think your offers of help are being ignored. I must stress just how challenging the land is we are dealing with ranging from dense wooded areas to expanses of water, and we don’t want anyone put in harm's way. Organised public searches can also be very resource and time-intensive to coordinate and our time is extremely precious at the moment."

“There are still ways you can help us though. Firstly I know that people will be out walking in the Crathes Estate area anyway whether it’s to walk your dog or cycle and I welcome anyone’s efforts to keep an eye out for anything that could help us locate Liam. Please help us by sticking to visible routes and paths and don’t put yourself in any danger. If you find anything of any significance let us know as soon as possible by calling 101 - Liam was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers. He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's before he left Aberdeen."

“I also continue to urge anyone with information that could help us establish why Liam would head in the Deeside direction, or if he has mentioned places of interest to you in the past, to let us know."

“Finally I would ask to the public to continue supporting our efforts, which have so far included sharing our social media posts to printing off posters. The response to our appeals has been unprecedented and it has not gone unnoticed by Liam’s family nor us.”

Liam is described as; white, around 6 foot 4 inches tall and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 quoting reference number 1302 of Sunday 18 November 2018.