A missing Royal Marine’s commanding officer has appealed for the serviceman to make contact with his anguished family.
As the search for Ralph Hebden continued in and around Arbroath, where the 32-year-old was last seen on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tanner said he hoped the marine’s pregnant wife, as well as colleagues at 45 Commando on the outskirts of the town, would soon receive the news that he is safe and well.
Despite extensive searches of the North Sea coastline near the town and extensive inquiries within the community, mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Mr Hebden.
The last confirmed sighting of him was outside Morrison’s store in Arbroath shortly after 8.30am on Monday.
About 30 of the Liverpudlian’s colleagues from the base joined with Tayside Police officers to assist in a search of East Seaton on the outskirts of Arbroath earlier this week.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tanner, Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group, said: “On behalf of 45 Commando and all who work at Royal Marines Condor, I would like to appeal to Marine Ralph Hebden to get in touch with us as soon as possible, in order to reassure his family and friends, and all his colleagues here at the unit, that he is safe and well.”
Ralph’s pregnant wife, Sarah is said to be hugely encouraged by the public support in the effort to trace her husband.
Last night, Inspector Ally Robertson of Tayside Police said: ‘‘I have spoken with Sarah as clearly we keep her aware of everything that is being done in the effort to find Ralph safe and well. She has seen the supportive posts on Facebook and the coverage that the media have been giving in the drive to find Ralph and she greatly appreciates everyone’s concerns and positive messages.
“But what she needs right now is for Ralph to come home and we would urge him to get in touch. His loved ones are understandably worried for him and want him home.”
A team of about 30 police officers are dedicated to the effort Searches continued yesterday as Tayside Police renewed their appeal to householders to check sheds, garages and outbuildings for any signs that anyone has taken shelter temporarily or overnight.
Officers also continued with door-to-door inquiries and are trawling through hundreds of hours of public and private CCTV footage.
It has previously been revealed that Mr Hebden was known to go on very long walks, heading miles outside of the Arbroath area, sometimes venturing as far as Barry Buddon and the Carse of Gowrie.
He is 6ft 4in and of muscular build, with short cropped fair hair. When last seen he was last seen wearing black trainers, dark blue or black jogging bottoms, a blue fleece and a black beanie hat. He had a blue rain jacket with him when he left his home address on Monday morning.
If you have any information, call 101 or speak to any police officer.