An urgent search operation is ongoing in Llandudno after 16-year-old Athrun was reported missing from West Shore Beach on Saturday afternoon.
The teenager, who is considered vulnerable, was last seen at around 2pm on 10 May 2025. North Wales Police say he was on holiday with family from Gloucestershire and had been visiting the area, where he is known to have local connections.
Athrun was last seen wearing only blue and white patterned swim shorts, with no top or footwear. He also does not have the hearing protection seen in some publicly circulated photos.
“High-risk missing person” status declared
North Wales Police have launched an extensive multi-agency search and confirmed that the case is being treated as a “high-risk missing person enquiry.” The effort includes resources from HM Coastguard, National Police Air Service (NPAS), the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA), and local RNLI crews.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale said:
“Significant areas of Llandudno have already been searched, and these searches continue. Officers continue to support Athrun’s family while attempts to locate him continue.”
Public asked for dash cam and photo footage
Police are appealing to the public to check any dashcam or photo footage taken in the West Shore area between 12pm and 6pm on Saturday, particularly near the beach.
“If you took any photographs in the West Shore area of Llandudno yesterday, please can you let us know,” said DCI Kneale.
Members of the public are asked not to conduct their own searches, as specialist teams are actively combing the area by land, water and air.
Last seen running toward the sea
Athrun was last seen running toward the water’s edge while on the beach with his father and brother. The coastguard confirmed it began assisting police shortly after the initial report around 3.40pm on Saturday.
The multi-agency operation has included:
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HM Coastguard teams from Llandudno, Bangor, Penmon and Rhyl
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Conwy RNLI inshore lifeboat
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A Coastguard helicopter
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Specialist search officers and drone teams
How to help
Anyone with relevant footage, photos or information is urged to contact North Wales Police via 101 or the force’s website, quoting reference C067064.