Cross-border search for missing boy intensifies

The search for missing Castlederg schoolboy Brendan Rushe (15), who disappeared after visiting a nightclub in Donegal town, has been intensified, with two companies of British soldiers and hundreds of local people now involved.

The soldiers, from the Parachute and the Prince of Wales' Own regiments, are combing the Northern side of the border while residents of Brendan's home town assist Gardai in searching bogland and rural areas outside Donegal town.

It has also emerged that Brendan was seen in the early hours of Monday morning by Garda officers, who spoke with him and found him "very friendly and nice". The teenager told the Gardai that he was going to get a bus home, but was possibly next seen by the proprietor of a guest house outside Donegal town, who reported a boy matching Brendan's description knocking on the door at 6am. The door was not answered, and the owner believes the boy headed off back towards the town.

Brendan's family have appealed for local farmers and rural residents to search their land and called for the Irish army to join the search. A local priest, Father Jim McGonagle, has spoken to the family and said that while they are hoping against hope, they are "gravely fearful" for their son's safety. Brendan's mother, Colette Rushe, who previously admitted she did not expect to find her son alive, has said her greatest fear is that he has been abducted or been the victim of a hit and run incident.

Garda have also confirmed that a pair of shoes found in the area and initially believed to be Brendan's, did not belong to the missing boy.

Brendan Rushe is 5' 8" tall, with slim build, dark brown, short hair, brown eyes and has braces on his teeth. He was wearing a cream shirt, grey trousers and black shoes and had a black jumper with him.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Garda at Donegal Town on: 00353 73 21021, or the PSNI incident room in Castlederg on: 028 7137 9835.

(GB)