Police have reissued an appeal for information regarding the investigation of a Co Down man who went missing from Belfast this day 19 years ago.
Martin Kelly, then aged 21, was last seen on New Year’s Day in 2006 at Pat’s Bar on Garmoyle Street in Belfast, where he was watching a football match. His friends left, and Martin remained in the bar talking to other customers. He hasn’t been seen since.
In a reissued appeal for information, the PSNI said Martin’s disappearance has impacted his family profoundly. Police have carried out searches on land and water, as well as deploying the diving team and air support. Despite this, however, Martin has still not been located.
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Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said: “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.
Missing person Martin Kelly
(Image: PSNI)
“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.
“Police 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.”
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