29 June 2006

Mother to search for missing son in UK

The mother of missing County Down man Martin Kelly, is to embark on a month-long journey around the UK, in an attempt to raise awareness of his disappearance.

Mrs Kelly will visit approximately 14 cities throughout the UK, and will start her search today in Glasgow.

The 22-year-old plumber and part-time bar man, went missing on New Year's day, after spending the afternoon in Pat's Bar in Belfast docklands with friends.

Police have carried out extensive searches, using divers, boats, dogs, a helicopter and CCTV footage, however no trace of him has ever been found.

Back in January, the Kelly family organised a search, which saw around 300 people walking from the bar where Martin was last seen, to his home in Holywood in a bid to find him or to find something or someone which could lead to him.

The crowd also released balloons, with notes to Martin attached.

A website was also created to appeal for information on Martin's whereabouts, and a number of leaflets and posters were distributed around Belfast city centre.

Martin Kelly disappeared on January 1, 2006, after spending the day with friends in a city centre bar.

Martin stayed in the bar chatting to other customers after his friends had left, and was later seen leaving on his own at around 7.10pm.

Since then, no one has seen or heard from him.

Anyone who knows of Martin's whereabouts, or who may have any information relating to his disappearance, should contact police on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)