Hundreds of military personnel, drones and dogs have been deployed in a massive search operation for a missing army soldier who disappeared from a Wiltshire base two days ago.
Alex Cairnie, 30, a sergeant in the Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment, was last seen at around noon on July 6 leaving Tidworth camp in Wiltshire. Amesbury Police are now asking people to come forward if they have seen Alex, who is from Perham Down.
Today, Wiltshire Police released new CCTV images of the 30-year-old Army Sergeant captured at approximately 11am on Sunday. Alex is seen walking around the Tidworth branch of Tesco wearing a grey sweatshirt and dark grey outdoor trousers with black knee patches.
Alex is described as around 5ft 7 tall, of an athletic build with mousy brown hair and a beard. Police say they are “very concerned for his welfare” as the search enters its third day.
In an emotional direct appeal issued through police, Sgt Gareth Brooks urged his colleague to make contact. “Alex, we need to know that you are safe. Please call 101 and ask to be put through to me directly. I’m here to listen and I can give you the time you need to talk things through.
Brooks added: “There are many people, who care about you and they need to know that you are OK.
The scale of the search operation has expanded significantly since Sunday, with military personnel from Tidworth Camp joining police officers and specially trained volunteers in combing the area. According to Wiltshire Search and Rescue, more than 275 people from the police, military and five Lowland Rescue teams were involved in Monday’s search efforts.
Police dogs have been deployed throughout the search area, while drones equipped with thermal imaging technology are being used to check local woodland from above. The advanced technology allows search teams to cover difficult terrain and dense forest areas that would be challenging to search on foot.
Among those joining the search as a volunteer is a team organised by Drew Short, from DS rescue and recovery. He wrote on social media: “We’ve got a search and rescue dog along with 3 trucks were more than happy to give up our time and money.”
Short added: “We won’t stop looking for you until you are found by someone. We’re all really hoping you are ok and please reach out to someone.”
The last confirmed sighting of Sergeant Cairnie was captured on CCTV at the Tesco store in Tidworth at approximately 11am on Sunday. He had left Tidworth Camp earlier that day and has not been seen since, prompting increasing concern from both military colleagues and family members.
Wiltshire Police initially responded to reports of the missing soldier on Sunday afternoon. We are very concerned for his welfare,” a police spokesperson said. “He is thought to have been wearing a light coloured t-shirt and black/grey trousers.”
The force has since updated this description based on the CCTV footage, confirming he was wearing the grey sweatshirt and outdoor trousers when last seen. The distinctive black knee patches on his trousers could prove crucial in identifying any potential sightings.
The Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment, where Sergeant Cairnie serves, is based at Tidworth Camp, one of the British Army’s largest garrisons. The camp houses thousands of military personnel and their families, creating a close-knit community that has rallied together in the search efforts.
Messages of support have flooded social media platforms, with one commenter on Wiltshire Police’s Facebook page writing: “Just hope he is found safe and well.” Another added: “Dear Alex and your family. Hoping you can be reunited very soon.”
The involvement of multiple Lowland Rescue teams highlights the seriousness of the operation. These specialist volunteer groups are trained in search and rescue techniques and often work alongside police and military units in missing person cases.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue confirmed their volunteers were working in coordination with police and military personnel, utilizing their specialist skills and local knowledge to maximize the chances of locating Sergeant Cairnie quickly.
The search area encompasses Tidworth and the surrounding countryside, including woodland areas that are being systematically checked by ground teams and aerial surveillance. The thermal imaging drones are particularly effective in detecting heat signatures in dense vegetation or difficult terrain.
Local residents have been asked to check their properties, including outbuildings, sheds and garages, in case Sergeant Cairnie has sought shelter. Police are also reviewing additional CCTV footage from businesses and residential properties in the area to track his movements after leaving Tesco.
The military community at Tidworth has shown tremendous solidarity, with off-duty personnel volunteering their time to join search efforts. This level of support reflects the strong bonds within military units and the determination to find their missing colleague.
As the search continues, police are maintaining their urgent appeal for public assistance. They stress that anyone who sees Alex, or has any information about his whereabouts, should contact them immediately rather than approaching him directly.
Wiltshire Police have established a dedicated incident room to coordinate the search and process incoming information from the public. Every potential sighting is being investigated as a priority.
If you see Alex, or know of his whereabouts, please contact police immediately on 999 quoting log 54250084191. For non-urgent information that might assist the search, members of the public can call 101 and ask to speak to the investigation team.
The case reference number 54250084191 should be quoted in all communications to ensure information reaches the correct team quickly. Police emphasize that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in locating Sergeant Cairnie safely.
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