Northern Ireland

Police renew plea for help over Martin Kelly on anniversary of disappearance

Holywood man Martin Kelly has been missing for 11 years
Holywood man Martin Kelly has been missing for 11 years Holywood man Martin Kelly has been missing for 11 years

POLICE investigating the disappearance of Martin Kelly on the January 1, 2006 have made a renewed appeal for information. 

The 21-year-old was last seen in Pat's Bar at the docks on New Year's Day 11 years ago.

He had been in the bar with friends but stayed behind after they left before going missing.

Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said they wanted to speak to anyone who remembered the Holywood man being in the bar.

"Police remain committed and determined to discovering what happened to Martin and to bringing closure to his family. Detectives will continue to follow up all new lines of enquiry and any new information."

In 2014 his father, Raymond, said he believed his son may have been abducted and murdered.

“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," said the detective.

“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. 

“Detectives are also keen to speak to a middle aged couple who were in the company of an elderly female in Pat's bar for a short time on the evening of Sunday 1st January 2006.

“They would also like to speak to a female who may have spoken to and exchanged phone numbers with Martin Kelly in the Priory Inn, Holywood on the evening of Saturday 31st December 2005.”

“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 would reiterate our appeal for anyone who may have information in relation to Martin to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on 101quoting reference 710 03/01/16, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Missing People on 116 000 quoting  reference number 06-000428."