05/01/2026
Family And Police Issue Urgent Appeal For Missing Cookstown Man
The family of Taylor Stewart has joined the Police Service of Northern Ireland in a direct appeal for information following the 21-year-old's disappearance from Cookstown.
Taylor was last seen in the Church Heights area at approximately 5.30am on Thursday 1 January.
The search operation has involved an extensive police presence supported by voluntary organisations, including the Community Rescue Service, Search & Rescue Dog Association Ireland North, and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue. Efforts are currently being coordinated by a specialist Police Search Advisor (POLSA).
In a moving message to his grandson, Mitchell Crooks highlighted the family's growing anxiety as weather conditions remain poor.
Mitchell Crooks said: "We just want Taylor to come home. The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days. Please Taylor, just let us know that you are safe, you promised to help me with a few issues with my car so I need you home to help, please get in contact."
Superintendent Peter Stevenson acknowledged the community's desire to assist but warned of the risks posed by snow and ice. He urged members of the public to consult with local officers before starting any independent searches to avoid putting themselves in danger.
Superintendent Stevenson added: "We continue to appeal to anyone who may have been out and about in the area at the time Taylor was last seen, or who may have seen him since, to make contact with us. Even a seemingly insignificant piece of information could help.
"As a reminder, Taylor is approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green / brown boots."
Homeowners in the area are requested to check outbuildings, sheds, and garages in case Taylor has sought shelter from the cold.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting reference number 1108 of 01/01/26.
Information can also be provided online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Taylor was last seen in the Church Heights area at approximately 5.30am on Thursday 1 January.
The search operation has involved an extensive police presence supported by voluntary organisations, including the Community Rescue Service, Search & Rescue Dog Association Ireland North, and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue. Efforts are currently being coordinated by a specialist Police Search Advisor (POLSA).
In a moving message to his grandson, Mitchell Crooks highlighted the family's growing anxiety as weather conditions remain poor.
Mitchell Crooks said: "We just want Taylor to come home. The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days. Please Taylor, just let us know that you are safe, you promised to help me with a few issues with my car so I need you home to help, please get in contact."
Superintendent Stevenson added: "We continue to appeal to anyone who may have been out and about in the area at the time Taylor was last seen, or who may have seen him since, to make contact with us. Even a seemingly insignificant piece of information could help.
"As a reminder, Taylor is approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green / brown boots."
Homeowners in the area are requested to check outbuildings, sheds, and garages in case Taylor has sought shelter from the cold.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting reference number 1108 of 01/01/26.
Information can also be provided online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
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