Two further arrests over Comber dissapperance

Pat McCormick
Author: Sasha WyliePublished 6th Jun 2019
Last updated 6th Jun 2019

Two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of 55 year old Pat McCormick.

William McCormick, known as Pat, was last seen in Comber on Thursday.

A 39 year old man and a 20 year old man were detained on Wednesday night on suspicion of assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice.

Meanwhile two people who were being questioned about the murder have been released on bail while police carry out more inquiries.

The man aged 26 and a woman who's 20 were arrested on Monday.

Mr McCormick was last seen alive in Comber a week ago.

The PSNI launched a murder inquiry and have issued CCTV footage of his last known movements in a new appeal for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said Mr McCormick was last seen walking along Castle Street in Comber.

"I know that Pat left his parent's house in Ballynahinch on Thursday May 30 just after 9pm,'' he said.

"In the CCTV, Pat can be seen driving his car in Castle Street, Comber, at around 10.30pm - it's a Black Citroen C4, registration BSZ 7103.

"I know that Pat then parked his car on High Street, opposite McBride's pub, where it remained until it was recovered by police.

"In the footage, Pat can be seen walking down Castle Street at around 10.45pm, where he goes under an archway that leads to some flats.

"This is the last sighting that I have.''

He added: "On the night of Pat's disappearance, he was wearing a beige jacket, blue jeans and brown brogue shoes.

"As you can see from his photo, he had short dark brown hair. He was 5ft 3in in height and of medium build.''

Six days on from Mr McCormick's disappearance, Mr Montgomery said his family deserve to know what happened to him.

"I'm hoping that the release of this footage will jog people's memories,'' he said.

"If you were in Comber on High Street or Castle Street after 10pm on Thursday evening, did you see Pat driving his car?

"Did you see him speaking to anyone or going anywhere with anyone?

"I am obviously very keen to recover Pat's body for his family.''

He added: "I would also appeal to the public that if you are out walking in the area and see any discarded clothing, particularly the beige jacket, blue jeans or brown brogues, please contact detectives.

"Pat's phone hasn't been used from May 30 and it remains unaccounted for.

"It's an iPhone SE so if you're out and about and see this phone lying somewhere, please let me know. It could be broken, smashed or in pieces.

"I have met with Pat's wife and parents and they are devastated.

"His mother and father are in their 80s and they deserve to get his body back.

"Members of the local community could have information that could be key to giving Pat's family some answers.

"I would urge anyone who has any information surrounding Pat's disappearance to contact detectives at the incident room at Musgrave Street on 101."