Concerns are mounting for a 16-year-old boy who has now been missing for three days after disappearing from a beach in North Wales.
The search for Athrun, described by authorities as a “vulnerable” teenager, resumed early on Monday morning following an intensive weekend operation. He was last seen at around 2pm on Saturday at West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy.
Police have confirmed that he was wearing only a pair of blue and white patterned swim shorts at the time, with no footwear or top. A spokesperson added: “He is 6ft tall, has brown hair and blue eyes. He is not wearing hearing protection as featured in the image.”
The search, being treated as a high-risk missing person enquiry, is being led by North Wales Police with the support of multiple specialist agencies, including the Coastguard, NPAS (National Police Air Service), and SARDA (Search and Rescue Dogs Association). A Coastguard helicopter has also been deployed to conduct aerial sweeps of the town and surrounding coastline.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “Significant areas of Llandudno have already been searched, and these searches continue. Officers continue to support Athrun’s family while attempts to locate him continue.
“I would ask that anyone with dash cam footage in the vicinity of West Shore between 12pm and 6pm reviews it to check for any sightings of Athrun. Also, if you took any photographs in the West Shore area of Llandudno yesterday, please can you let us know. As previously described, he was last seen wearing just blue swimming shorts, with no top.”
Despite official warnings, members of the local community have taken to the area themselves to assist in the search. Some have deployed drones—several fitted with thermal imaging cameras—while others have searched on foot, exploring the caves around the Great Orme and the shoreline extending towards Deganwy.
Police have reiterated their request for the public to remain alert but not to take risks by entering areas already combed by trained professionals. In a renewed appeal, the force stated: “At this time the public are asked to remain vigilant, but not to place themselves at risk by attempting to search areas which will already have been completed by professionals.”
Anyone with information or possible sightings is urged to contact North Wales Police immediately.
