73-year-old Allan, aka Keith, vanishes after dog returns alone; police suspect sea involvement

A Bristol man, identified as Allan and also known as Keith, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances during a dog walk. Police have taken the difficult decision to cease physical searches after exhaustive efforts failed to locate him. Allan was last seen on December 4, leaving home at 9:30 am to walk his dog in Blaise Castle Woods. The dog returned home unaccompanied later that day.

Walking poles belonging to Allan were discovered near a wooden bridge over the River Trym, approximately one or two miles away, by a member of the public. Despite extensive searches involving police officers, divers, drones, volunteers, and other organizations over the past few weeks, Allan has not been found.

The weather conditions on the day Allan went missing were extreme, with the river in full flood. Authorities speculate that if Allan entered the water, he might have been swept into the River Avon, estuary, and potentially into the Bristol Channel. There is currently no evidence suggesting third-party involvement, and Allan’s disappearance is treated as an active missing person investigation.

Although physical searches have been halted, investigators remain open to new sightings or lines of inquiry. The public has been thanked for their support, and anyone with information about Allan’s disappearance is urged to contact Avon and Somerset Police.