Family of missing St Andrews man renew appeal for information four weeks after he disappeared

The family of a missing man from St Andrews have renewed their appeal for information four weeks after he disappeared.

74-year-old Paul Johnson was last seen at around 10.45pm on Wednesday, 15 September, 2021, in the town's Hepburn Gardens.

He had left an address in Hay Fleming Avenue a short time earlier, at around 10pm that night on foot, but he has not been seen since.

His family have issued a statement thanking the local community for their support.

They are urging anyone who can help find Paul to come forward.

The statement reads: "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 inquiries have been continuing in the area since Paul was reported missing.

Officers have been going door to door and studying available CCTV.

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

He is described as being around 5 foot 9 inches in height and of slim build with grey hair.

Paul was last known to be wearing a blue rain jacket and light coloured walking trousers.

Inspector Murray Gibson from Police Scotland 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.

"Over the past four weeks, extensive areas have been searched by police search teams, partner agencies, and the local community. 

"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."

Anyone who believes they may have seen Paul or who has any information which could help find him is asked to call officers on 101, quoting incident number 0266 of 16 September 2021.