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Family and friends continue search for missing Newtownabbey man Dean McIlwaine

Dean McIlwaine from Newtownabbey has been missing since July 13
Dean McIlwaine from Newtownabbey has been missing since July 13 Dean McIlwaine from Newtownabbey has been missing since July 13

FAMILY and friends of a missing Co Antrim man last night carried out searches in Belfast city centre in a bid to track him down.

Relatives of Dean McIlwaine from Newtownabbey have made emotional pleas for him to return home following his disappearance last Thursday.

The 22-year-old barber was last seen in the Carnmoney Road area of Newtownabbey around 1pm on July 13. He disappeared a day after the death of his grandfather, whose funeral is due to take place tomorrow.

News of his disappearance has been shared widely on social media.

Crowds of people, including many relatives and friends, are due to gather at Belfast City Hall tonight to begin looking for him in the city centre and Newtownabbey area.

Over the last few days, a number of people have contacted his family to report sightings, but they have all turned out to be false alarms.

The 22-year-old was last seen in the Carnmoney Road area of Newtownabbey
The 22-year-old was last seen in the Carnmoney Road area of Newtownabbey The 22-year-old was last seen in the Carnmoney Road area of Newtownabbey

Mr McIlwaine is described as being 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with blue eyes, dark hair and a beard.

He was last seen wearing a light coloured t-shirt, blue denim shorts and flip-flops.

Police have appealed for Mr McIlwaine or anyone who knows where he is to make contact on the non-emergency number 101.