Underwater search to begin for Pat McCormick

Fresh searches are to begin on Friday in a wetlands area near Strangford Lough, for missing Comber man William McCormick, known as Pat.

The 55-year-old was last seen in Comber on May 30.

The PSNI has launched a murder inquiry into his disappearance.

On Thursday evening PSNI officers handed out leaflets and conducted a road stop for motorists in Comber to jog memories of the night the father-of-four disappeared.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery, who is leading the investigation, also made fresh appeals for information.

He said detectives have visited 137 premises and retrieved 96 hours of camera footage.

"I've also conducted 15 searches in the area and spoken to around 100 people who have provided me with new evidence,'' he said.

The new appeals include a plea to anyone who was in Comber on May 31 at 7am and walked or drove into the car park at the rear of Castle Street/High Street.

"This car park is adjacent to Supervalu and includes the rear of Comber pharmacy and LGs Fish and Chips.

"Did you see anyone in this car park acting suspiciously?'' he said.

"Please cast your mind back to that morning - did you see anyone walk from the flats on Castle Street into this car park via a wooden gate carrying anything?

"If you live in the Comber area, especially in Newtownards Road, Killinchy Road, Ballygowan Road and the Belfast Road areas and have CCTV at your home I would like you to contact me.

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

"If you come across discarded clothing matching this description - or Pat's phone, an iPhone SE which hasn't been used since May 30 - please contact police.

"I am now also looking for Pat's Ben Sherman watch with brown strap with a black face.''

Detective Chief Inspector Montgomery also revealed that an underwater search with a specialist team will take place at Castle Espie Wetlands on Friday, and on Saturday a "significant route search'' will be carried out in the Comber area with the help of the Community Rescue Team.

"It is now two weeks' on from Pat's disappearance and his family remain absolutely devastated. They deserve to know what has happened to him and deserve to have his body back,'' he said.

"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.

"I would also like to appeal to those directly responsible to come forward to police - examine your conscience and allow Pat's family to give him a proper burial.

"You are denying them this right."