Police search for missing university student Euan Coulthard

A search is under way in Durham for a university student from Bottesford who has not been seen since the early hours of Thursday morning (January 15).

Euan Coulthard, who is 19, and a law student at St Mary's College, was reported missing yesterday afternoon by a friend who was concerned when he could not make contact with him.

Euan left his home in the city on Wednesday and later went for a meal at the Spaghettata restaurant in Saddler Street to celebrate a 21st birthday with friends.

He was last seen just after midnight leaving the Loveshack club, in the Walkergate area of the city, alone.

Euan has failed to respond to texts, emails and messages on Facebook that friends have sent him and they say this is completely out of character.

He is described as 5` 9” tall and of average build with light brown hair, which is short on the sides and longer on the top.

When he was last seen he was wearing black skinny jeans, a denim jacket and a beige patterned shirt.

Inspector Dave Coxon, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We have serious concerns for Euan's welfare as there has been no trace of him since the early hours of Thursday morning. He hasn’t responded to any attempts to contact him and his phone has not been traced.

“If anyone has seen him since then, or if they saw a young man matching his description in Durham on last night, I would ask them to contact us as soon as possible on 101.”

Euan has younger sister Frances and lives at home in Bottesford when not at university with his parents Ross and Hester.

He described in the village as a bright and sensible young man and his disappearance completely out of character.

He is a former King's School, Grantham, pupil who was in the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force.

He was also one of the school's top cricketers during his time there and played county cricket.

Euan is also a Nottingham Forest supporter.

Speaking at the family home, Euan's mother said she wouldn't be speaking to the press for the time being.

Zac Morton, 19, has been friends with Euan since the age of six when they were both pupils at the village primary school.

Zac, who is sous chef at Pauls Restaurant amnd Wine Bar, in the village, said: "We went up to see him in Durham just before Christmas.

"He seemed to be fine. He loves it up there and this isn’t like him at all.

"We went out in Durham and to do some shopping in Newcastle.

"He’s just friendly and gets on with everyone. He’s very intelligent but down to earth.

"He’s into his sport and very interested in music and literature and about two days ago he was talking about seeing Morrissey in March."

Zac said he was staying in touch with Euan's housemates in Durham whom he met while he was there before Christmas.

He said he was thinking about going up to Durham to help the search.

Zac said had been told that as many as 100 people were already out searching for his friend.