Northern Ireland

Israeli police believe missing Co Down man Oliver McAfee is still alive

Israeli police believe Co Down man Oliver McAfee, who has been missing since November, is still alive
Israeli police believe Co Down man Oliver McAfee, who has been missing since November, is still alive Israeli police believe Co Down man Oliver McAfee, who has been missing since November, is still alive

A CO Down man reported missing in Israel several months ago is still alive, the country's police force has said.

Oliver McAfee, from Dromore, was last seen on November 21 as he cycled on the Israeli National Trail near the desert city of Mitzpe Ramon.

Search teams are considering if the 29-year-old may be suffering from a condition known as ‘Jerusalem Syndrome’, in which people suffer psychotic episodes and think they are Biblical figures.

Israel Police spokesman Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld last night said the search for Mr McAfee is continuing.

"If he is still alive and we believe he is still alive, he could be hopefully be out somewhere camping, drinking and possibly eating from other sources," he told the BBC.

While it was initially feared Mr McAfee may have become lost in the desert some now believe he may have planned to go there.

Some of his belongings including his wallet, keys and tablet computer were found on the trail in late November.

Israeli police and search teams have found what they suspect was a make-shift ‘chapel’, which includes a circle-shaped area of stones and flattened sand.

Pages from a Bible were also found weighed down with rocks.

Handwritten notes quoting the Bible have also been found, some of which included references to Christ's fast in the desert.

A Facebook page set up to try and help find Mr McAfee last night urged people to pray.

“Do continue to pray and share - we've had lots of good leads and information come through from this page that we've been able to pass on to the rescue teams,” it said.

“Your time and help is really greatly appreciated.”

It also revealed that a piece about Mr McAfee is due to be broadcast on Israeli television later this week.