Murder detectives launch CCTV appeal over man’s disappearance

Police have issued a CCTV appeal about a Co Down father-of-four they believe was murdered.

William McCormick, known as Pat, was last seen in Comber on Thursday.

The 55-year-old has not made contact with his family since.

The PSNI launched a murder inquiry and have issued CCTV footage of his last known movements in a new appeal for information.

A 26-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman who were rearrested on suspicion of murder on Monday evening remained in police custody on Wednesday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said Mr McCormick was last seen walking along Castle Street in Comber.

“I know that Pat left his parent’s house in Ballynahinch on Thursday May 30 just after 9pm,” he said.

“In the CCTV, Pat can be seen driving his car in Castle Street, Comber, at around 10.30pm – it’s a Black Citroen C4, registration BSZ 7103.

“I know that Pat then parked his car on High Street, opposite McBride’s pub, where it remained until it was recovered by police.

“In the footage, Pat can be seen walking down Castle Street at around 10.45pm, where he goes under an archway that leads to some flats.

“This is the last sighting that I have.”

He added: “On the night of Pat’s disappearance, he was wearing a beige jacket, blue jeans and brown brogue shoes.

“As you can see from his photo, he had short dark brown hair. He was 5ft 3in in height and of medium build.”

Six days on from Mr McCormick’s disappearance, Mr Montgomery said his family deserve to know what happened to him.

“I’m hoping that the release of this footage will jog people’s memories,” he said.

“If you were in Comber on High Street or Castle Street after 10pm on Thursday evening, did you see Pat driving his car?

“Did you see him speaking to anyone or going anywhere with anyone?

“I am obviously very keen to recover Pat’s body for his family.”

He added: “I would also appeal to the public that if you are out walking in the area and see any discarded clothing, particularly the beige jacket, blue jeans or brown brogues, please contact detectives.

“Pat’s phone hasn’t been used from May 30 and it remains unaccounted for.

“It’s an iPhone SE so if you’re out and about and see this phone lying somewhere, please let me know. It could be broken, smashed or in pieces.

“I have met with Pat’s wife and parents and they are devastated.

“His mother and father are in their 80s and they deserve to get his body back.

“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.”