Police search building site and old paper mill in hunt for Ben Thompson (From Western Telegraph)

Police search building site and old paper mill in hunt for Ben Thompson

7:39pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in News

South Wales Police today searched an old paper factory and new school building site near where missing Ben Thompson was last sighted one week ago.

Ben, from Haverfordwest, disappeared after last Saturday's Wales v Ireland rugby game in Cardiff and was last seen at around 6.30pm by friends at Mill Lane.

He was later spotted on CCTV, at 7.20pm, walking down a lane towards wasteland at the end of a street in the Leckwith area of the city.

Search teams were focusing their efforts in this area particularly the woodlands, the River Ely and the banks of the A4232.

Gardens and outbuildings of properties south of Broad Street were also being revisited this weekend.

Volunteers from the city and Ben's home town are helping in the search with Wales Online reporting a previously unsearched World War Two bunker under the A4232 was one avenue being considered.

The old Arjo Wiggins paper mill at Ely Bridge and a new school site on Sanatorium Road were searched.

Yesterday, Chief Inspector Eddie Ough said: “There have been no further confirmed sightings of Ben since he was seen on CCTV walking at the end of Lawrenny Avenue and there has been no activity on his mobile phone.

“The search and rescue operation will continue in this area over the weekend and into next week.

“Ben’s family are desperately worried and continue to be supported and updated by family liaison officers.”

Ben is described as 5ft 9in tall, with short brown hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing brown leather lace-up boots, blue jeans, and a white shirt with blue thin stripes.

Anyone who has seen Mr Thompson or has any information which may assist is asked to contact the Command Room at Cardiff Bay Police Station on 02920 338 465.