The "desperate" family of a missing student last seen boarding a train at Queen Street station have issued a heartfelt plea for information regarding his whereabouts.

Rufus Brickell was reported missing from the Dalry area of Edinburgh last week after CCTV footage revealed he got on a train heading to Kilpatrick station at 12:02am on Sunday, October 6.

The 22-year-old, originally from Bristol, was then seen leaving the station and walking across the Erskine Bridge.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, concerned family members said they were “shocked” by his disappearance and urged the Heriot Watt student to let them know he was safe.

They also appealed for anyone who may have seen Rufus to share information with officers to assist in their inquiries.

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The statement read: "Rufus has been missing for over a week now and we are completely shocked by his disappearance."

"We are so worried and desperate to know where he is.

“If Rufus sees this, we don’t want him to be concerned about being in any trouble. We just want him to know how much we love him and miss him and that we desperately want him home safe and well."

It continued: “We would ask that if anyone has seen Rufus since early Sunday morning, or saw him on the train he took to Kilpatrick station or walking over the Erskine bridge, to please phone the police and give them any information you have.

“We are extremely grateful to the police and those who have supported their enquiries in their efforts to trace Rufus. We would also like to thank everyone who has shared the social media appeals.”

Rufus is described as white, around 5’11 and of muscular build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a “distinctive” two-tone grey Berghaus jacket with a yellow patch on the back, black jeans that were rolled up at the bottom to reveal white socks, and black and white New Balance trainers.

He was also carrying a navy blue rucksack with blue and red stripes at the bottom.

Officers say they are continuing to review CCTV footage and conduct door-to-door enquiries to trace Rufus.

Specialist searches are also being carried out in the Erskine bridge area.

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Sergeant Kieran Dougal, leading the search, said: “After extensive enquiries, we have found clear CCTV footage of Rufus getting on and off the train to Kilpatrick station."

“We are continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward and we’d particularly ask anyone who was on the train and saw Rufus to contact us.

"We would also appeal to anyone in the Erskine bridge area at that time who may have dash-cam footage or who may have been cycling and have a ‘Go Pro’ camera to get in touch.

“Naturally Rufus’s family is extremely concerned and we just want to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe."

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1477 of Sunday, October 6.