A CO Down man, who is missing in Israel, is understood to have disappeared into the desert and left behind a trail of torn out Bible pages.
Reports last night suggested that search teams in the Negev desert believe 29-year-old Oliver McAfee from Dromore may be suffering from psychotic delusions, known as 'Jerusalem Syndrome'.
Mr McAfee was last seen on November 21 as he cycled on the Israel National Trail near the desert city of Mitzpe Ramon. Some of his belongings, including his wallet, keys and a tablet computer, were found on the trail in late December.
It was initially thought he may have lost his way while following a cycling path. But it is now feared the former gardener, who had been living in Essex, could have gone into the desert intentionally.
Israeli police search teams have discovered what they believe was a make-shift 'chapel', including a circle-shaped area of stones and flattened sand, possibly with a bicycle tool.
A series of pages ripped from the Bible were also found, carefully weighed down with rocks in the area where Mr McAfee was last seen.
Other handwritten notes quoting Bible verses were also discovered, some of the notes included references to the story of Jesus fasting in the desert.
Search teams are looking at the possibility Mr McAfee was suffering from 'Jerusalem Syndrome', in which people suffer psychotic episodes and begin to think they are Biblical figures.
In an update on a Facebook page set up by friends to help find McAfee, a statement said: "We are so grateful for the continued, extensive and exhaustive efforts that the Israeli authorities, rescue teams and police are undertaking".
It added that "there may be someone out there who knows where Ollie is".
"Thank you for your continued support, shares and good wishes - it is so appreciated. Please continue to join us in prayer and declare that he'll be found safe and well. I remain hopeful that he will be."
