CCTV footage of 55-year-old Comber man William (Pat) McCormick’s last known movements has been released b detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team.
Police believe the father of four was murdered and his family are keen to recover his body. They also want anyone who sees discarded clothing or a mobile phone to get in touch.
Detectives have made a further two arrests. A 39-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were detained last night on suspicion of assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice. They were taken to Musgrave police station for questioning.
Pat left his parent’s house in Ballynahinch on Thursday (May 30), just after 9pm. 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.
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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery.
On the night of Pat’s disappearance, he was wearing a beige jacket, blue jeans and brown brogue shoes. He has short dark brown hair, is around 5ft 3” in height and is of medium build.
“We are now six days on from Pat’s disappearance and his family deserve to know what has happened to him. I’m hoping that the release of this footage will jog people’s memories,” said Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery.
And he is appealing to people who were in Comber on Thursday night to get in touch.
“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,” added the Detective Chief Inspector.
“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 30th May 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.”
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery has met with Pat’s wife and parents and he says they are devastated.
“His mother and father are in their eighties 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.
“Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” he added.