Tayside Police believe they now know the identity of a missing man who sparked a major air and sea search following an incident at Tay Road Bridge on New Year’s Day.
The force first received reports of concern for an individual on the crossing at around 3.40pm on Monday, when he was spotted entering the walkway from the Dundee side.
Officers, who believe the man may have entered the water, said efforts to trace him were still ongoing, while the nature of the incident meant he could not yet be named.
A spokesman for Police Scotlad said they had received a “huge” response after appealing to the public for information.
He added: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the public for their unprecedented response to our appeal for help in identifying him.
“As this is an apparent suicide, the name of the person is not being released at this time.”
The man’s next of kin have been informed while efforts to trace him continue.
The incident sparked a major air and sea search of the River Tay which went on well into the evening, with a coastguard helicopter from Prestwick being drafted in to help.
Two lifeboats from Broughty Ferry were launched along with coastguard rescue teams from Carnoustie and St Andrews.
A large area between Monifieth and Tayport was searched throughout Monday evening, although no further searches took place on Tuesday.
Officers also released CCTV footage in a bid to help identify the man on Wednesday, saying that no one matching his description had been reported missing.
However, they faced criticism over the quality of the images released, with social media users questioning whether clearer pictures could have been sourced.
A spokesman for the force defended the quality of the images saying they were “the best quality available to us” and “the best we can give out at this time”.
He added: “We wanted to get relevant images out as quickly as possible to help with the investigation, and if better ones become available they will be released in due course.”
The man is described as white, in his 50s, wearing a dark tammy-style hat, a large black winter coat over a dark green jumper or shirt, grey jeans and black shoes.
He was also seen to be smoking a cigarette he had taken from a tobacco pouch.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their inquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.
