Fresh appeal over van linked to Pat McCormick murder probe

Q Radio news

Detectives investigating the murder of Pat McCormick in Comber have released images of a blue Ford Transit van they wish to trace.

The father of four was last seen alive on the evening of Thursday 30 May, although his body has not been recovered. 

The charity Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information which leads to the recovery of the 55 year old's remains.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery, who is leading the investigation, continues to appeal for information and said: “I believe Pat was murdered in or around the vicinity of flats in Castle Street, Comber sometime after 10.45pm on Thursday 30th May.

"I have CCTV footage showing him walking across  Castle Street, where he goes under an archway that leads to some flats. This is the last sighting of him on CCTV to date.

 “I would still like to trace the movements of a blue Ford Transit van registration number JLZ1672 and I would appeal to motorists and pedestrians to think back to the following specific dates and times."

·On May 30^th at approximately 23.30 heading country bound on the Killinchy Road.  Did you see this distinctive van with the silver front wings? Where did it go?

·On May 31st  at around  08.15  in the rear car park of Supervalu . Did you see the van parked up here? Did you see the driver? Did you see anyone at the van or any activity at the van? Later on at around 10.15 did you see it on the Killinchy Road heading in the direction of Lisbane.  Did you see where it went?  I need to ascertain where this van went.

·And later that day at around 14:00 did you see it travelling on the Old Ballygowan Road in Comber? Again, I need to know where this van went.

Police have also asked people to look out for Pat’s distinctive mobile phone flip cover which was black with red stripes.

His iPhone SE still remains unaccounted for and detectives say it could be broken, smashed or in pieces.

 “Pat’s family deserve to have his body back and give him a proper funeral" says DCI Montgomery.

"They deserve to be able to say goodbye and lay him to rest and I am hoping the £10,000 reward from Crimestoppers will continue to provide an incentive for anyone who knows where he is to bring that information forward to police or to Crimestoppers where you are guaranteed absolute anonymity. I will never know who you are."