Family's plea to find missing pensioner who vanished a month ago

The family of a missing pensioner who disappeared four weeks ago while out on an evening walk has issued a plea for information.

Paul Johnson left his house in Hay Fleming Avenue, in St Andrews, at around 10pm on Wednesday, September 15.

The 74-year-old was last spotted at the town’s Hepburn Gardens around 45 minutes later.

One month on, his wife and children say the grandfather’s disappearance remains a mystery and the last four weeks have been the “hardest of their lives”.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, the Johnson family said: “Four weeks ago our dad – who was fit and healthy – left his home on St Andrews for a walk.

“He was spotted on a couple of cameras walking as if on an evening stroll, was seen by a friend on Hepburn Gardens and has then simply vanished. His whereabouts remain a complete mystery.

“For us and our mum, the last four weeks have been the hardest of our lives. Our dad is a grandfather to nine, soon to be ten, wonderful grandchildren, who are missing him as much as we are.

“We have been helped immensely through this difficult time in the knowledge that the town where mum and dad first met, fell in love and call their home, is full of such wonderful and supportive people.

“Loved ones, friends and complete strangers have gone above and beyond to help with the search. It is impossible to put into words the gratitude we feel. People across St Andrews, Fife and beyond, as well as Police Scotland and the countless amazing organisations and companies have united to help find dad with the shared aim to bring him home to us.

“The kind words and selfless acts of the community have meant so much to us. We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everything you have done for us.

“We are frantically worried and miss dad so much, Please continue to keep him your thoughts and know what we will forever be grateful for your kindness.”

Police enquiries have been continuing in the area since Mr Johnson was reported missing, with officers going door to door and studying available CCTV.

He is known to be a keen walker and extensive searches have been carried out in St Andrews and the surrounding area of areas he is known to frequent.

Inspector Murray Gibson said: “It has now been four weeks since Paul went missing. This has been an incredibly difficult time for his family and we are keeping in regular contact with them as our enquiries continue.

“I would take the opportunity to thank everybody who has helped and particularly the local community for their support.

“I would also ask that anyone who may have information or who believes they may have seen Paul at any time to get in touch. Any information could help our enquiries so please come forward if you haven’t already spoken to us.

“We also remain keen to speak to anyone who may have private CCTV or dashcam footage which may show Paul.”

Mr Johnson is described as being around 5ft9 with a slim build and grey hair. He was last known to be wearing a blue rain jacket and light coloured walking trousers.

Anyone who believes they may have seen Paul or who has any information which could help trace him is asked to call officers on 101.