**Police Deploy Dogs and Drones in Intensive Search for Missing Mountain Ash Man**
An urgent search operation is under way in Mountain Ash, where police have mobilised specialist teams, including trained dogs and drone units, to find a man who has been reported missing. Steven Smith, aged 52, was last seen on Tuesday morning, 20 May, and authorities are appealing for help from the public as the search intensifies.
Mr Smith’s disappearance has prompted a significant response from South Wales Police, who are sparing no effort in their quest to trace his whereabouts. The last confirmed sighting of him was at Jaz Convenience Store, situated on Church Street, at 10:55am, shortly after he left his home in Mountain Ash earlier that day. No subsequent sightings have been reported since.
South Wales Police released a statement urging members of the local community to remain vigilant. “Specialist teams, including search dogs and drone operators, continue to look for Steven,” a police spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday. Authorities have asked anyone with information or those who might have access to private CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch without delay. Individuals are requested to quote occurrence number 2500160057 when contacting the police.
The area surrounding Church Street, along with a number of adjacent neighbourhoods, has become the focus of this concentrated search operation. Residents have been encouraged to inspect their gardens, outbuildings, and any areas where someone may seek shelter, while business owners in the vicinity are being asked to review their security recordings for potential clues.
In recent times, police forces across the UK have increasingly turned to technology to support search and rescue efforts, with drones playing an especially pivotal role in covering difficult terrain and providing aerial perspectives which are otherwise unattainable. This search, combining both traditional and modern methods, demonstrates the gravity with which the authorities are treating Mr Smith’s disappearance.
Steven Smith is described by police as being of medium build and is believed to have been wearing practical, everyday clothing when he was last seen. Officers have not released further details of his appearance in order to preserve privacy and avoid speculative sightings, but residents are encouraged to report any encounters matching the general description.
Mountain Ash, a close-knit community in South Wales, has rallied together in response to the news. Residents have shared posts on local forums and have been reposting the police appeal on social media channels in the hope that someone may have seen or heard something that could aid the investigation.
Extensive searches are expected to continue over the coming days, and the police have reiterated their plea for vigilance. A sense of unity has emerged among the community as concern for Steven’s welfare spreads. In the meantime, officers have offered reassurances that they are deploying every available resource to locate him as swiftly as possible.
Anyone who has information regarding Steven Smith’s whereabouts, or who may have seen anything unusual in or around Church Street on the morning of 20 May, is urged to contact South Wales Police immediately. The force remains hopeful that with the combined efforts of local residents and specialist teams, Steven will be located and brought to safety.