Police searching for missing Fife serviceman Corrie McKeague have been unable to locate the 23-year-old’s mobile phone, it has been reported.
Despite successfully tracing it to a small Suffolk village from Bury St Edmonds where Corrie went missing, they have not recovered the device.
Corrie, based at RAF Honington, has not been seen since September 24 following a night out.
Officers had thought they had traced Dunfermline-born Corrie’s mobile phone to a bin lorry which had travelled between Bury St Edmunds and the Suffolk town of Barton Mills, but the link has now been ruled out following an unsuccessful search of the vehicle in question, ITV reported.
Corrie’s Nokia Lumia 435 phone is thought to have been kept in a black PVC leather case, which was slightly worn at the edges.
Suffolk police chief Kim Warner announced a number of leads are currently being followed and renewed a call for members of the public to come forward with information.
The temporary chief superintendent also confirmed local businesses and stall holders are being quizzed for any possible information.
He said: “We would like to thank all those who have spoken to us and assisted with the enquiry to date, however we still need anyone who can help to come forward as soon as possible.
“If you were out in the Bury, Honington or Barton Mills area between Friday night and Saturday and saw Corrie we need to speak to you.
“He was wearing distinctive light clothing – a pink polo shirt and white jeans or trousers – and was friendly and engaging with a number of people during the course of the evening.
“While we’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen him after 3.20am on Saturday 24 we also need to talk to you if you saw him during the evening.
“Our key appeal is for anyone with information that may help to come forward as soon as possible.”
The bad news about the phone comes after Corrie’s mum, Nicola Urquhart, issued an emotional plea for information to help trace her son.
Corrie was last seen walking through Bury St Edmunds in the early hours of Saturday September 24 after a night out with friends.
The 23-year-old is based at RAF Hornington, 10 miles north of the historic market town where he was last seen.
Anyone with information can call the incident room on 01473 782019.
