VILLAGERS are being urged not to conduct their own searches for missing pensioner Allan Burns while police continue their investigation.

The 71-year-old from Kilbarchan, who suffers from dementia, has not been seen in a week.

Police are set to gather at around 3pm today in Barrhill Crescent to hand out posters and speak to passers-by in the hope of finding out more information which may prove useful in their search.

There have been a couple of possible sightings reported to police in recent days in the Lochwinnoch area. 

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Mr Burns was last spotted walking onto the cycle path at Barhill Crescent, heading towards Lochwinnoch.

A police spokesman said: "Mr Burns hasn't been seen since around 3.15pm last Friday on the cycle path close to his home, heading in the general direction of Lochwinnoch. We have had possible sightings along the route which are being investigated by officers.

"We really appreciate the assistance and efforts of the public who have helped us search for Allan. A detailed search strategy has been drawn up by a Police Scotland search advisor and is being methodically followed by a number of specialist resources, including our Dog Branch.

"At this time there are no plans to organise further searches with volunteers from the local community and we would discourage members of the public from undertaking their own searches, due to the difficult rural terrain and weather conditions.

"We remain concerned about Allan's safety and well-being and would encourage anyone who may have seen him or has any knowledge of his current whereabouts to get in touch with us."

Mr Burns, who is a regular walker, is thought to have gone on his walk without his medication and officers have admitted it is 'totally out of character' for him to have not contacted his family.

He has been described as around 5ft 8in, clean-shaven of slim build, with short grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey tammy hat, a khaki green waterproof jacket with a tartan lining, dark blue jeans, grey walking boots and a maroon and grey striped scarf.

Anyone with information should call 101.