Volunteers and specially trained police join search for missing French student

ALLAN SIMPSON

Around 100 volunteers and specially trained police have joined the search

Antoine Maury’s tearful mother Laura, his father Pascal and sister Emilia pleaded for help as it emerged police had earlier found items of clothing belonging to the 21-year-old. 

He was last seen at 10.30pm on Monday when he suddenly left his friends at Edinburgh College’s Milton Road East Campus. 

A major search was launched to trace him with police investigating a possible sighting involving a topless man looking distressed near the Duddingston Village area of Holyrood Park a short time later. 

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Yesterday a detailed search of the park was carried out in a bid to locate the Frenchman. Inspector Alan Carson, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division, said: “So many people have expressed a willingness to help find him as quickly as possible and I know that his family are extremely grateful for the support of the people of Edinburgh.” 

He confirmed officers had found a dark-coloured bomber jacket, a white beanie hat and a grey jersey in Cavalry Park Drive, and added: “These are items of clothing we know Antoine was wearing when he was last seen.” 

ALLAN SIMPSON

Antoine Maury’s tearful parents and sister made a plea for information

Mr Maury’s parents, who came over from France last week, said they were desperate to find their son and added: “We are appealing to anyone who might have information as to where he is or know if someone is sheltering him. We want him to know we love him, he is not in trouble and for him to come home. We ask that anyone living in the area to please check their outbuildings and garages again to confirm that Antoine is not hiding there.” 

We are appealing to anyone who might have information

Antoine Maury’s parents

The Police Scotland marine unit and the helicopter have previously been brought to assist the search efforts. 

Mr Maury is white, around 6ft and of medium build. He has short brown hair, a beard and a fair complexion. He has a tattoo of a bleeding hand on his forearm. 

GETTY

The 21-year-old was last seen by his friends in Edinburgh

When last seen, he was wearing a brown/green bomber jacket with dark chinos and a white beanie hat plus black and white Vans trainers. 

Although born and brought up in Paris, the missing man has lived in Scotland since he was 16. He studied in St Andrews before moving to Edinburgh.