POLICE today revealed officers have traced man seen with missing 24-year-old Karen Buckley.

Detectives said he is assisting with inquiries.

Meanwhile, the brother of missing Karen Buckley spoke of the anguish felt by her family.

Karen, a qualified nurse from Garnethill, was last seen in Sanctuary, Dumbarton Road, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Fears are growing over Karen's safety and police want to trace a mystery man who was seen talking to her near the busy nightclub.

Her brother Kieran Buckley told the Evening Times: "She would have been in contact already if she could."

Karen's mobile phone has not been used since she was last seen and her frantic family have described her disappearance as "very unusual".

Kieran said the family were waiting on more information from the police as the investigation continues.

As reported in late editions of yesterday's Evening Times, the 24-year-old was spotted on CCTV leaving the popular nightspot shortly after 1am.

She had told her friends she was going to the toilet, but didn't return, and did not pick up her jacket before leaving.

Karen and the unknown man were then seen walking along Dumbarton Road, away from the city centre, towards Church Street.

The Evening Times understands Karen's friends did not recognise the male, who was wearing a white shirt and was described as "stocky", when asked by officers.

Police were yesterday trawling Great Western Road and nearby Kelvingrove Park as the search intensified.

Officers were seen searching bushes and the river for clues.

Karen, who is originally from Cork, moved to the city to study for her master's degree at Glasgow Caledonian University.

She lives in a flat in Hill Street with three student pals.

Her friends have launched an internet campaign to help track her down.

Inspector Gavin Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen Karen in the early hours of Sunday morning in the west end of Glasgow.

"We're particularly keen to get in touch with the gentlemen who Karen was seen talking to around 1am on Sunday morning outside the Sanctuary nightclub, as he may be able to help us."

Karen, who speaks in an Irish accent, is described as white, between 5ft and 5ft 2in tall, with dark hair and brown eyes.

She had long black curly hair extensions in, and was wearing an all in one black jump suit, with red high heels and a black handbag.

Close friend Claire Bowen said: "It's very unlike her to not tell anyone where she's going so we're very concerned."

Inspector Smith added: "Friends reported Karen missing on Sunday after feeling her behaviour to not return home was very out of character.

"Her friends say she would always contact them by text or phone to let them know where was and she doesn't appear to have contacted anyone.

"Karen had been drinking alcohol with her friends but they say she was not drunk and are very worried about her.

"Her parents have also flown over from Ireland as they believe this behaviour is very unusual and not like Karen at all."

Anyone with any information on Karen's whereabouts are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.