**Urgent Search Continues for Vulnerable Missing Teenager Last Seen at Llandudno Beach**
The search continues unabated for a missing 16-year-old boy, Athrun, who was last seen at West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy, sparking mounting concern amongst authorities and the local community. The teenager, who is described as autistic and considered ‘vulnerable’, disappeared at approximately 2pm on Saturday, prompting a significant multi-agency emergency response.
North Wales Police have enlisted the support of a number of agencies in their search for Athrun, as efforts intensify on land, in the air, and across the water. Despite two days of relentless searching, no trace of the boy has yet been found, leaving his family and local residents increasingly anxious as time progresses.
Athrun is described as being 6ft tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. When he was last seen, he was wearing only blue and white patterned swim shorts, with no top or footwear. Authorities have emphasised that, despite images circulated of Athrun wearing hearing protection, he was not believed to be wearing these at the time of his disappearance.
Police have categorised the incident as a “high-risk missing person enquiry”. A significant allocation of resources continues to be dedicated to Athrun’s safe recovery, coordinated closely with the National Police Air Service (NPAS), the Coastguard, and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA). The coastguard helicopter has repeatedly flown over Llandudno and its adjacent areas, combing the coastline for any sign of the missing teenager.
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale highlighted the scale of the ongoing operation: “Significant areas of Llandudno have already been searched, and these searches continue. Officers are working round the clock and supporting Athrun’s family as we do everything in our power to find him.”
As part of the public appeal, authorities are urging anyone who may have captured dashcam footage or photographs near the West Shore area between midday and 6pm on Saturday to come forward. Such material could prove vital to establishing Athrun’s movements in the crucial hours following his last confirmed sighting.
Emergency rescue resources have been joined by local Coastguard Rescue Teams from Llandudno, Bangor Penmon and Rhyl, as well as the Conwy RNLI inshore lifeboat. The search parties have worked tirelessly throughout both the evening and daylight hours across the beach and surrounding coastline, demonstrating the community’s determination to secure Athrun’s safe return.
“In situations such as this, public vigilance is essential,” North Wales Police added. However, they have expressly cautioned against the public attempting to search potentially hazardous areas themselves, noting these zones are being combed thoroughly by trained professionals.
HM Coastguard confirmed its continued involvement and commitment to finding the missing teenager, reiterating the immense joint effort underway with other emergency services. The case has captured the deep concern of the local community, as neighbours and businesses rally around Athrun’s family during this anxious time.
Anyone with information or potential sightings is being asked to contact North Wales Police as a matter of urgency, as the search for Athrun moves into its third day. Authorities remain hopeful but acknowledge the critical nature of the hours ahead, with the support of the public regarded as indispensable in ongoing rescue operations.