News

Man missing since 2012 may have been seen in Belfast

Missing Portrush man Dean Patton
Missing Portrush man Dean Patton Missing Portrush man Dean Patton

A MAN who has been missing for more than three years may have been spotted in south Belfast earlier this month.

Dean Patton, from Portrush, Co Antrim, has been missing since late July 2012.

Police made a renewed appeal for information following a report of a possible sighting in the Botanic Gardens area on Tuesday, August 4.

Mr Patton is 6ft, with dark hair and tanned skin. A man matching his description, wearing a black coat, black jeans and trainers, was seen in the Botanic area earlier on August 4. The man also had facial hair.

Mr Patton was aged 24 when he went missing on the evening of Wednesday July 25 2012.

He was last seen close to the Eglinton Hotel in Portrush.

Detective Inspector Soren Stewart said: "It is now just over three years since Dean went missing. This period has been understandably tough for his family and friends. We have discussed this new information with Dean’s family and further help from the public would greatly assist us in our efforts to verify the sighting."

Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them.