Detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance as they mark two decades since the disappearance of Martin Kelly, who vanished from Belfast in January 2006.

The investigation remains active, with authorities determined to uncover what happened to the local man.

Martin, a plumber and part-time barman at the Priory Inn in Holywood, was last seen on New Year's Day 2006. After working on New Year's Eve and attending house parties with friends, he went to Pat's Bar on Garmoyle Street to watch a football match. While his friends departed earlier, Martin stayed to speak with other patrons before leaving the premises at approximately 7.10pm. He has not been seen since that evening.

Described as being 6ft 1in tall with a slim build and short dark hair, Martin was wearing blue jeans and a black 'Guinness' T-shirt at the time of his disappearance.

In the years following his disappearance, the PSNI has conducted extensive land and water searches involving diving units and air support. Despite numerous interviews and a comprehensive review of all available CCTV footage from the area, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey highlighted the lasting toll on Martin's loved ones: "The disappearance of Martin has had a profound impact on his family. "Martin, who worked as a plumber and a part-time bar man in the Priory Inn at Holywood, worked on New Year's Eve 2005 and then went on to two house parties with friends.

"On New Year's Day, he and his friends went to Pat's Bar in Garmoyle Street to watch a football match. The friends left and Martin remained in the bar talking to other customers. He left at about 7.10pm and hasn't been seen since.

"Martin, who is about 6ft 1in tall and of slim build with short dark hair, was wearing a black 'Guinness' T-shirt and blue jeans.

"Police investigating Martin's disappearance carried out searches on land and on the water and deployed the diving team and air support team in these searches. We have also undertaken extensive enquiries but despite conducting a wide range of interviews and reviewing all available CCTV relating to the incident, Martin has not been located.

"We remain committed and determined to discovering what happened to Martin and detectives will continue to follow up all new lines of enquiry and any new information.

"We would urge anyone who may have knowledge of Martin's disappearance to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"Information can be given to detectives by calling 101, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Missing People on 116 000."