Police have issued an update on a huge search operation launched to track down a missing Highland League footballer.
Richard Finnis, who plays for Strathspey Thistle, has been missing from Inverness’ Kinmylies area since Saturday.
A land, river and air search has been launched after the 30-year-old’s blue Citroen C3 was discovered near Cannich.
It is understood Mr Finnis’ girlfriend is in hospital with serious injuries, thought to be the result of a stabbing.
On Tuesday, a full scale search operation involving teams of specialist police officers, sniffer dogs and a UK Coastguard helicopter were brought in for the search.
The force’s efforts to trace Mr Finnis continued on Wednesday.
Officers have issued a fresh appeal asking for people who may have spotted him in the Cannich, Beauly and Glen Affric areas to come forward. They say he may also have changed his clothes.
Police are urging anyone who may have spotted Mr Finnis’ car between Saturday afternoon and Monday at about 9.30pm to come forward. The vehicle’s registration is SD18 WKE.
It is thought to have been in the Dog Falls car park area of Glen Affric on Saturday afternoon.
Detective Inspector Eddie Ross said: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace Richard and we are continuing to urge anyone with information which could assist us to come forward.
“We are keen to establish the movements of Richard’s car from when he was last seen in Inverness and when the vehicle was found in Cannich.
“In particular we would urge anyone who was driving on routes around the Cannich or Glen Affric area to think back and if you have kept dashcam footage please review this and report anything of note.
“We would also ask that people consider whether they have seen a man matching his description walking on roads or paths around the area at any time since Saturday.
“We continue to ask members of the public not to approach Richard if you believe you have seen him but to contact police in the first instance.
“I would pass on our gratitude to the local community for their understanding as these inquiries continue and our thanks to everyone who has assisted our enquiry already.”
Mr Finnis was last seen at around 1.20pm on Saturday, February 16 on Kinmylies Way in Inverness.
At about 1pm in the same area of the city, a 30 year-old woman suffered injuries in an incident believed to be a stabbing.
He is described as being around 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, with dark hair and blue eyes.
When last seen he was wearing a sky blue tracksuit top, light blue jeans or tracksuit bottoms and a dark grey bobble hat.
Anyone who has seen Richard or may have information as to his whereabouts is being asked to contact police on 101 using the reference number NN/1135/19.
