By Lucy Ashton

The Royal Navy is aiding extensive searches for a man missing from Argyll and Bute for three days.

Josh Gayton, 21, was last seen on CCTV at around 12.46am on the morning of Tuesday, April 16 in Helensburgh town centre, heading towards a footpath on East Clyde Street.

Police said enquiries and footage studied showed a man matching his description speaking with a member of the public at around 12.25am outside the Riva restaurant on West Clyde Street.

The missing man is described as 5ft 9in in height, of stocky build, with brown hair and a red/brown beard and was wearing a grey ‘Nirvana’ t-shirt, black trousers, white Nike trainers and a silver chain with a cross.

Police were notified the 21-year-old was missing after he failed to attend work at Faslane Naval Base.

No indication was given about what he worked at in the Base, home to Britian’s nuclear submarine fleet, or if he was a Serviceman or a civilian.

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence police are aiding officers in searches by land, sea and air in the area, with the public urged to check outbuildings and sheds.

Two vehicles – a white or light-coloured Mini and a blue van similar to a Ford Titanium Connect – may have driven past him as he was walking on East Clyde Street between 12.15am and 12.46am.

The van may have had red writing on it and alloy wheels, police said.

An increased police and Navy personnel presence in the area will be visible over the coming days.

Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Allan Dickson said: “It is unusual for Josh to not be in touch with anyone and we are concerned about him.

“We have significant resources dedicated to this inquiry and we are urging the public to come forward with any information relating to his whereabouts.

“If you were in the area at the time, please think back, did you notice anyone matching his description?

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage showing Josh, or the two vehicles which may have driven past him between 12.15am and 12.46am.

“If anyone has seen Josh, or has any information as to his whereabouts, please contact police.

CI Allan Dickson said: “We are working closely with a host of specialist officers in order to maximise our response.

“You will see increased activity in the area, please do not be alarmed.

“We have adopted a multi-agency approach to this inquiry, assisted by the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence police, and searches will be carried out by land, sea and air.

“Anyone with any information can contact any of these officers, or call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0732 of Tuesday, April 16 2024.”