Northern Ireland

Alan Whiteside: Body found nine weeks after disappearance of Antrim man

PACEMAKER BELFAST 11/01/2024 Police and the family of missing person Alan Whiteside, aged 33 years, have made a further appeal for information on his whereabouts. Alan was last seen leaving licensed premises in the High Street area of Antrim at around 9pm on Sunday 17th December, heading in the direction of Market Square and down towards the pedestrian bridge over the river. Alan, who is described as being approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, and with brown hair and eyes, was wearing black jeans, a short-sleeved black T-shirt and black Adidas trainers when he was last seen. Alan’s mother, Pamela Whiteside, and the wider family circle are growing increasingly concerned for Alan’s welfare. Pamela said: “His son and I just want Alan home safe. If anyone has any information, I would ask them to please contact police. The smallest thing might help find him. Inspector Patton said: “We continue to appeal to anyone who may have seen Alan in Antrim town centre, Bridge Street, Lough Road, Clarke Court or Dublin Road between 9pm and 10pm on that date to get in touch. It was the Sunday before Christmas, so we know a lot of people may have been out and about in the area. If you spoke to Alan that night, please let us know.
Alan Whiteside (33) had been last seen on December 17
By Suzanne McGonagle

Police searching for missing Antrim man Alan Whiteside have found a body.

The discovery was made in the Lough Neagh area on Sunday by a member of Community Rescue Service (CRS).

The 33-year-old had been missing since December 17 after leaving licensed premises in the High Street area of Antrim.

The father-of-one was heading in the direction of Market Square and down towards the path along the side of Six Mile Water river.

Police searching for missing person Alan Whiteside located the body of a man in a coastline area of Lough Neagh...

Posted by Police Antrim & Newtownabbey on Monday, 19 February 2024

Following his disappearance, his mother Pamela had appealed for help in locating him and a Facebook page, Bring Alan Home was also set up.

But in a statement on Monday, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police searching for missing person Alan Whiteside located the body of a man in a coastline area of Lough Neagh yesterday afternoon, Sunday 18th February.

“This is being treated as a sudden death and there are no further details.”

Searches have been ongoing since Mr Whiteside’s disappearance with police, Lough Neagh Rescue and CRS all involved.

In an update posted on social media on Monday, the CRS Northern District said: “As many of you may be aware CRS volunteers have been tasked to the Antrim area every day, working closely with our colleagues from Lough Neagh Rescue in the search for a person missing since 17th December.

“Searches were conducted each day for 51 days in our endeavours to bring the person home.

“Yesterday (Sunday) CRS conducted extensive searches in the Antrim area and along the shoreline of Lough Neagh.

“We regret to inform you that in the early afternoon a CRS team located a body believed to be that of the missing person.

“The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the missing person at this sad time.”

UPDATE TO OUR ANTRIM SEARCH As many of you may be aware CRS volunteers have been tasked to the Antrim area every day,...

Posted by Community Rescue Service Northern District on Monday, 19 February 2024

In a post on the Bring Alan Home page on social media on Monday, it said: “Thank you to everyone who messaged, shared, helped us look for Alan over the past 9 weeks.

“Obviously not the outcome anyone wanted.

“Pamela will continue to be supported by family and close friends.”

Thank you to everyone who messaged, shared, helped us look for Alan over the past 9 weeks. Obviously not the outcome anyone wanted. Pamela will continue to be supported by family and close friends 💔

Posted by Bring Alan Home on Monday, 19 February 2024