THE search is continuing for a Durham University student not seen since the early hours of Thursday morning.

Euan Coulthard, 19, a law student at St Mary's College, Durham University, was reported missing yesterday (Thursday January 15) afternoon by a friend who was concerned when he could not make contact with him.

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Today, the police, fire service, search and rescue team and around 100 students are searching for the second year undergraduate, who is originally from Nottingham.

Professor Simon Hackett, principal of St Mary’s College, said Euan is a committed, active and well-liked student and everyone is really concerned for him.

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

The Northern Echo:
Police have released CCTV images of Euan on Framwellgate Bridge at 23.56pm on Wednesday night

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

He 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, 5ft 9ins 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.

The Northern Echo:

MISSING: Dawn Robson puts up a poster in the window on her shop 'Velvet Elvis' in Durham City, near to where missing Durham student Euan Coulthard was last seen     Picture: TOM BANKS 

Speaking on Thursday evening, Inspector Dave Coxon, of the city’s police, said: “We have serious concerns for Euan's welfare as there has been no trace of him since the early hours of this 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 last night, I would ask them to contact us as soon as possible on 101.”