Reward offered in missing man search

Mrs Linn (centre) has made appeals for help

A reward of several thousand pounds has been offered by the family and employers of a salesman who has been missing for almost two months.

Gary Linn, from Kilsyth, was last seen in Falkirk on 31 August and police said they believe he may have come to serious harm.

Central Scotland Police said the Linn family and his employers Snap on Tools have now offered a "substantial cash reward".

A proportion is being offered to try to establish his whereabouts and the remainder for information leading to a conviction if anyone is criminally liable.

Gary Linn: His burnt-out van was found

Mr Linn, 38, the father of three young boys, was last seen visiting customers on an industrial estate in Falkirk.

His Mercedes van held tools worth £36,000 and he was believed to have had hundreds of pounds in cash with him.

Mr Linn's van was found burnt out and the tools were missing.

Police fear he may have come to serious harm in a house in the Stenhousemuir area.

In a prepared statement issued by the police, Mr Linn's wife Kathleeen said: "It's the not knowing that's tearing the family apart.

"While I am still clinging to the belief that there is a slim chance that Gary may still be alive, deep down I fear the worst.

Emotional appeal

"The children miss him terribly, but until we know exactly what has happened to him we cannot begin to grieve properly."

Mrs Linn addressed the media on 3 October in an emotional appeal for help in finding her husband.

Mr Linn's friend and colleague David Wilson, Branch Manager of Snap on Tools in Hamilton, said: "Snap on Tools are anxious to assist the police inquiry in any way we can, and we hope that by offering this reward it will allow Gary to be found - for his family's sake."

The police officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Hector Cairns, said: "We hope that this reward, which equates to several thousand pounds, will encourage those who we believe have information which is vital to this enquiry to come forward."