Detectives investigating the murder of 55-year-old William (Pat) McCormick have released images of a blue Ford Transit van they wish to trace.
The father of four was last seen alive in Comber on the evening of Thursday 30 May and Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information which leads to the recovery of his body.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team are also keen to trace Pat’s mobile phone.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery, who is leading the investigation said it’s believed Pat was murdered in the vicinity of flats in Castle Street, Comber, sometime after 10.45pm on Thursday 30th May.
“I have CCTV footage showing him walking across Castle Street, where he goes under an archway that leads to some flats. This is the last sighting of him on CCTV to date,” he said.
The blue Ford Transit van has the registration JLZ 1672 and motorists and pedestrians are asked to think back to the following dates:
On May 30 at approximately 11:30pm heading country bound on the Killinchy Road. Did you see this distinctive van with the silver front wings? Where did it go?
On May 31 at around 8.15am in the rear car park of Supervalu – did you see the van parked up here? Did you see the driver? Did you see anyone at the van or any activity at the van? Later on at around 10:15am did you see it on the Killinchy Road heading in the direction of Lisbane? Did you see where it went?
And later that day at around 2pm did you see it travelling on the Old Ballygowan Road in Comber?
Detectives are also appealing for information about Pat’s mobile phone.
“I would also like to make an appeal for people to look out for Pat’s distinctive mobile phone flip cover – black with red stripes. I’ve released an image of an identical cover. His iPhone SE still remains unaccounted for too. It could be broken, smashed or in pieces.
“I’ve carried out a number of land and water searches over recent weeks and detectives continue to examine hundreds of hours of CCTV footage. This has all been extremely helpful as well as the significant amount of information I’ve received during my investigation,” said Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery.
He said Pat’s family deserve to have his body back and give him a proper funeral.
Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward and anyone who comes forward is guaranteed absolute anonymity.
“Pat’s family are completely heartbroken and devastated and they need to get some closure. Anyone with information about the investigation or the whereabouts of Pat should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” he added.