Divers search icy river as fears grow for man missing for six weeks

DIVERS yesterday searched the icy waters of one of the main rivers in Moray as Grampian Police stepped up their hunt for a man who disappeared more than six weeks ago.

Gordon Bremner, 54, from the Kingsmills area of Elgin, was last seen alive on 28 November when he was dropped off near the Royal Bank of Scotland in the town's High Street by a taxi driver. He was not reported missing until 16 December, however.

Detectives, investigating his mysterious disappearance, are becoming increasingly concerned about Mr Bremner's welfare, as he has missed both the birth of his first grandson and his brother's funeral since he vanished.

There are fears he may have fallen into the River Lossie or that his body lies buried beneath the deep snow which still covers large open spaces in the town.

Mr Bremner, who lived alone, is said to be "alcohol dependent" and frequented many of the bars in the town centre.

Yesterday, as members of the Grampian Police underwater search unit began scouring the Lossie from the town down to the estuary, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Chapman, who is leading the inquiry, said: "There are a number of factors which are increasing our concern and it's essential that all potential lines of inquiry are explored.

"In the time since Mr Bremner was last seen, he has missed important family events.

"His daughter has in the past week given birth to his first grandchild, a baby boy.

"As time goes by we are becoming increasingly concerned that there has been no trace of him."

But he stressed: "We are keeping an open mind as to the cause of Gordon's disappearance. I can't discount that he has decided to take some time away from his family. But if he had done so, I would have expected him to have been back in touch by now."

DCI Chapman added: "We are searching the River Lossie to ensure that nothing tragic has happened there.

"Since he was reported missing there has also been a substantial snow cover. Open land searches will be carried out as soon as there has been a major thaw.

"Gordon is unemployed and was alcohol dependent . He would regularly drink in the town centre. Gordon Bremner is a well-known face around Elgin, having spent all of his adult life residing in the town."

Mr Bremner is described as being 5ft 7in tall and of average build. He has a shaved bald head, usually wears square-rimmed glasses and when last seen is thought to have been wearing a black, waist-length waterproof hooded jacket, blue denim jeans and black shoes.