The city of Perth is cloaked in a deepening sense of anxiety and profound concern as the search for local resident Declyn Cunningham extends into its second challenging week. The 30-year-old was last observed in the earliest hours of Thursday, December 18, around 4:45 AM, near the iconic Smeaton’s Bridge, a well-known landmark that spans the River Tay. Despite comprehensive and relentless efforts from Police Scotland, involving specialist units, and a wave of community support, no trace of Mr. Cunningham has been found since his last sighting. This distressing situation has cast a heavy shadow over the usual festive cheer, impacting not only his immediate family and friends but also resonating throughout the wider Perth and Kinross community.
The emotional toll on Declyn’s family has been immense, and they have openly communicated their profound distress. They described the period since his disappearance as an “unimaginable week,” a time marked by agonizing uncertainty and raw heartbreak. In a poignant public message, the family conveyed their “unconditional love” for Declyn, emphasizing the extraordinary outpouring of support they have received. This collective embrace from the community and the unwavering dedication of the emergency services have highlighted just how deeply cherished Mr. Cunningham is by many. Their singular and fervent wish for the festive season is his safe return home, a plea underscored by their steadfast resolve: they “will not give up until you are home.” His sister, Chloe, had previously shared her own heartfelt appeal, expressing a deep longing for her brother’s return, a message that touched the hearts of many across the region and intensified public awareness.
Police Scotland has meticulously coordinated an extensive search operation, deploying a range of specialist resources in their concerted efforts to locate Declyn. This rigorous investigation has encompassed detailed ground searches throughout various parts of Perth and its surrounding areas, alongside targeted marine operations. A specialist police marine unit has been seen diligently navigating sections of the River Tay, focusing particular attention around Smeaton’s Bridge, the crucial point where Mr. Cunningham was last sighted. Investigators are also methodically examining available CCTV footage from key locations within the city, scrutinizing every frame for any potential clues or movements that could shed light on his whereabouts. Every piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is being carefully assessed as officers work tirelessly to piece together the events leading to his disappearance.
Sergeant Lindsay Brown, a spokesperson for Police Scotland, underscored the ongoing intensity of their work and acknowledged the profound impact of the situation on all involved. He offered reassurance of their dedication, stating: “It has been almost a week since Declyn was last seen and we are aware how difficult this continues to be for his family and friends, especially over the festive period. Despite extensive searches and enquiries involving specialist teams and partner agencies, Declyn remains missing. We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light. No detail is too minor and may assist with our enquiries.”
Declyn Cunningham is described as a man of approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height, with a distinctive shaved head and several noticeable tattoos, including one located on the back of his neck. When he was last seen in Perth, he was wearing black trousers, a black coat, and a beanie-style hat. The authorities remain committed to exhausting every possible avenue in their pursuit of answers, hoping to bring clarity and, most importantly, Declyn himself, back to his anxiously waiting family. The collaborative spirit between the police and local community groups, often seen in Perthshire during times of need, continues to be a driving force in this challenging search operation. The widespread hope is that this collective effort will yield positive results, allowing the family to find peace and Declyn to return to safety.
The emotional toll on Declyn’s family has been immense, and they have openly communicated their profound distress. They described the period since his disappearance as an “unimaginable week,” a time marked by agonizing uncertainty and raw heartbreak. In a poignant public message, the family conveyed their “unconditional love” for Declyn, emphasizing the extraordinary outpouring of support they have received. This collective embrace from the community and the unwavering dedication of the emergency services have highlighted just how deeply cherished Mr. Cunningham is by many. Their singular and fervent wish for the festive season is his safe return home, a plea underscored by their steadfast resolve: they “will not give up until you are home.” His sister, Chloe, had previously shared her own heartfelt appeal, expressing a deep longing for her brother’s return, a message that touched the hearts of many across the region and intensified public awareness.
Police Scotland has meticulously coordinated an extensive search operation, deploying a range of specialist resources in their concerted efforts to locate Declyn. This rigorous investigation has encompassed detailed ground searches throughout various parts of Perth and its surrounding areas, alongside targeted marine operations. A specialist police marine unit has been seen diligently navigating sections of the River Tay, focusing particular attention around Smeaton’s Bridge, the crucial point where Mr. Cunningham was last sighted. Investigators are also methodically examining available CCTV footage from key locations within the city, scrutinizing every frame for any potential clues or movements that could shed light on his whereabouts. Every piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is being carefully assessed as officers work tirelessly to piece together the events leading to his disappearance.
Sergeant Lindsay Brown, a spokesperson for Police Scotland, underscored the ongoing intensity of their work and acknowledged the profound impact of the situation on all involved. He offered reassurance of their dedication, stating: “It has been almost a week since Declyn was last seen and we are aware how difficult this continues to be for his family and friends, especially over the festive period. Despite extensive searches and enquiries involving specialist teams and partner agencies, Declyn remains missing. We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light. No detail is too minor and may assist with our enquiries.”
Declyn Cunningham is described as a man of approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height, with a distinctive shaved head and several noticeable tattoos, including one located on the back of his neck. When he was last seen in Perth, he was wearing black trousers, a black coat, and a beanie-style hat. The authorities remain committed to exhausting every possible avenue in their pursuit of answers, hoping to bring clarity and, most importantly, Declyn himself, back to his anxiously waiting family. The collaborative spirit between the police and local community groups, often seen in Perthshire during times of need, continues to be a driving force in this challenging search operation. The widespread hope is that this collective effort will yield positive results, allowing the family to find peace and Declyn to return to safety.