Northern Ireland

Ballymena FC player Jude Winchester 'safe' after family issue appeal to locate him

An appeal had gone out about Jude Winchester's whereabouts. Picture by Aidan O'Reilly/Pacemaker Press
An appeal had gone out about Jude Winchester's whereabouts. Picture by Aidan O'Reilly/Pacemaker Press An appeal had gone out about Jude Winchester's whereabouts. Picture by Aidan O'Reilly/Pacemaker Press

The family of Ballymena United footballer Jude Winchester have said he has been found safe and well after issuing a social media appeal regarding his whereabouts.

The Irish League star, who previously played for Cliftonville FC, was the focus of an online appeal after a post from his brother said family members were unable to locate the 28-year-old.

Ciaran Winchester also posted an image of his brother's silver Volkswagen car, urging anyone who had seen it to get in touch.

It was later reported that the car had been found at Donard Park in Newcastle, Co Down.

Shortly after 6pm, a post to the Facebook of Willowbank FC said Jude had been found "safe and sound", and this was later confirmed by Ciaran, who wrote: "Can’t thank everyone enough, Jude's been found thanks from all us appreciate it."