Police continue to search for Michael Whinham
Police investigating the disappearance of Newcastle man Michael Whinham are continuing to appeal for information as to his whereabouts. The missing person search is now being overseen by detectives from Central CID and they are looking into the possibility that something may have happened to Michael. Michael, who is 31 and from Oakfield Gardens in Newcastle, was reported missing to police on November 23. The last confirmed sighting of him was on CCTV on November 14 leaving Newcastle Crown Court in the Quayside area of Newcastle. Detectives have information that after leaving the Quayside area Michael may have travelled to the Meadowell area of North Shields to see friends and that he may have been at North Shields Metro Station sometime around 5:30pm - however this can not be confirmed. Officers have carried out enquiries with friends, family and associates of Michael and there has been no sightings or contact from him since that day. Michael's family are incredibly concerned for his whereabouts and it is very out of character for him not to have been in touch with his father for this length of time. They are appealing to anyone who might have any information about Michael, his whereabouts or any sightings of him, to come forward and get in touch. Detective Inspector Helen Anderson, from Central CID said:
"The search for missing man Michael Whinham is now being co-ordinated by CID as there is a possibility that something may have happened to him and we need to find out what. "We are not ruling out that he may still be missing and out there, and enquiries are continuing to be carried out to try and locate him, but when someone vanishes without a trace and there is no contact, sightings or reason why they might have disappeared then every possibility must be explored. "Michael's father is understandably incredibly upset by his son's disappearance and has been really helpful and supportive of the investigation so far and we just want to get answers for his sake. He wants his son to come home and needs to know what has happened to him. "November 14 is the key date - this is the last time that we have any sightings or information about Michael. After the 14th there is nothing - no bank account activity, no reported contact or sightings of him. This is extremely unusual and we are doing all we can to try and locate him and find out what has happened. "If Michael is out there then I'd ask that he contacts police, his family or somebody and just lets them know he is ok. There are a lot of worried people who just need to know he is alright. "If anyone has any information about where Michael might be, or anyone who knows Michael and thinks they might know something that could help us find him, then I'd ask they get in touch with us as soon as possible. "Any associates, friends of Michael or anyone with any information - no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be - is asked to contact Central CID on 101 and speak to us and pass on what you know, it could make all the difference." Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.