**Community Rallies as Search Enters Fourth Day for Missing ‘Vulnerable’ Teen on Llandudno Beach**
Authorities and rescue teams continue their extensive efforts to locate a missing teenager, identified as Athrun, who disappeared during a family holiday in North Wales. The 16-year-old, who is described as having additional vulnerabilities including autism, was last seen on Saturday at West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy.
According to police, Athrun, originally from Gloucestershire, was last sighted around 2pm. He was reportedly wearing blue and white patterned swim shorts and was near the boating lake and children’s play area at the time. Concern for the young man’s wellbeing has escalated due to his age and medical circumstances.
Standing approximately six feet tall, with short dark hair and a slim build, Athrun’s unique way of walking – described as an “unusual gait” by authorities – is considered a distinctive identifying feature. Efforts to find him have involved coordinated searches by North Wales Police, HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and specialist search units.
Transitioning their search focus, emergency teams spent much of Monday scouring the waters around Llandudno, as well as conducting broad land sweeps in the region. On the ground, Police Community Support Officers have been maintaining a visible presence along West Shore beach, seeking new leads and hoping to engage with anyone who may have witnessed Athrun’s movements on Saturday.
As the operation extends into its fourth day, North Wales Police have expressed gratitude for the support received from both local residents and businesses, many of whom have provided food and refreshment for the searchers. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan emphasised how vital public assistance has been in the ongoing effort, stating, “We really do appreciate everyone’s help and support – from the rescue services who are tirelessly looking for Athrun to local businesses who are offering refreshments to the rescue teams.”
Authorities are now urging anyone who was present in the West Shore area on Saturday afternoon to come forward if they have not already spoken to officers. Police are especially keen to receive dashcam footage, photos, or even casual snapshots—such as selfies—that might contain useful background details, including the missing teenager or his family.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale confirmed that significant portions of Llandudno have already been thoroughly searched, but stressed that operations will continue with undiminished intensity until Athrun is located. He noted that the situation remains dynamic, with emergency services responding to any new information that emerges.
The broader local community has demonstrated patience and co‑operation throughout what has been an undoubtedly distressing episode. Emergency personnel have publicly thanked residents and visitors for their endurance and for providing vital tips and assistance during search operations.
North Wales Police are encouraging people to review their photos and videos taken near the boating lake and beach area last Saturday in case they unwittingly captured vital evidence. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is being treated as potentially significant as authorities work to piece together the circumstances of Athrun’s disappearance.
Anyone who believes they may have information relevant to the case is urged to contact North Wales Police via their official website’s live chat facility or by telephone on 101, quoting incident number C067064.
As this urgent search continues, the hope amongst authorities and the community alike is that collective vigilance and a swift response to appeals will lead to Athrun’s safe return.