THE commanding officer of missing serviceman Ralph Hebden has called for him to get in touch as his marine colleagues continue to help search for him.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tanner urged the 32-year-old, who was last seen in Arbroath shortly after 8.30am on Monday, to let his friends and family know he is safe and well.

Around 30 of Mr Hebden's colleagues are helping Tayside Police in a search of East Seaton on the outskirts of the Angus town in an effort to trace the Liverpudlian.

Lt Col Tanner, commanding officer of 45 Commando group, said: "On behalf of 45 Commando and all who work at Royal Marines Condor, I would like to appeal to Marine Ralph Hebden to get in touch with us as soon as possible, in order to reassure his family and friends, and all his colleagues here at the unit that he is safe and well."

Mr Hebden went missing after setting off for a morning run along cliffs at Arbroath and was last seen stopping at a Morrison's supermarket in the town.

His pregnant wife Sarah, who also made an emotional plea for him to get in touch earlier in the week, is said to be "hugely encouraged" by the support shown by her's husband's colleagues and the public.

Inspector Ally Robertson, of Tayside Police, said: "I have spoken with Sarah, as clearly we keep her aware of everything that is being done in the effort to find Ralph safe and well. She has seen the supportive posts on Facebook and the coverage that the media have been giving in the drive to find Ralph and she greatly appreciates everyone's concerns and positive messages.

"But what she needs right now is for Ralph to come home, and we would urge him to get in touch. His loved ones are understandably worried for him and want him home."

The police force again urged householders to check their sheds, garages and outbuildings for any signs that someone has taken shelter temporarily or overnight.

Officers are also carrying out door-to-door inquiries and trawling through hundreds of hours of public and private CCTV footage.