RELATIVES of a missing Co Down man who police now believe has been murdered have said he "would not in a million years just vanish like this".
Police said yesterday they had launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of Pat (William) McCormick (55).
The father-of-four was last seen in Comber on Thursday evening, May 30.
Two people were arrested on Monday in the Comber area - a 26-year-old man on suspicion of kidnapping and a 20-year-old woman on suspicion of kidnapping and perverting the course of justice.
They were both subsequently rearrested that evening on suspicion of murder and remained in custody last night after an additional 36 hours was granted in court.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said that while he is "keeping an open mind" he now believes that Mr McCormick "has sadly been murdered".
He is described as being 5' 3" in height, of medium build, with short dark brown hair.
DCI Montgomery said: "Ever since he was last seen five days ago, Pat has not been in contact with his family.
“Pat was a father of four and his family deserve to know what has happened to him."
Mr McCormick is described on his Facebook page as a lance corporal with the Royal Irish Regiment and from Saintfield.
Myles McCormick wrote in a Facebook post how "my dad....hasn’t been in contact with anyone and he hasn’t been showing up to take the kids to school etc".
"Everyone is worried sick. This is really, really serious. If you could share this me and my family would be so grateful. Thank you to everyone who already has."
Another online appeal said he hadn't turned up for work "which is so out of character for him".
It added: "Phone is going to answer machine and he never gave any indication that he was going anywhere...This is serious as he wouldn't dream of disappearing without a trace."
Anyone with information on Mr Cormick was asked to contact detectives at the incident room at Musgrave Street on 101.
Police also want to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage taken in the Comber area on May 30 from around 8pm until midnight.
