Further Arrests In Pat McCormick Murder Probe

Detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of William (Pat) McCormick have arrested two men.

The 55-year-old father of four was last seen on the evening of Thursday 30 May in Comber, County Down. He has not made contact with his family since and police believe he has sadly been killed.

Two men aged 39 and 20 were detained on Wednesday evening, 05 June, on suspicion of assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice.

A man, 26, and woman, 20, who were rearrested on suspicion of murder on Monday have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

As investigations continue, police have issued CCTV of Pat's last known movements in a new appeal for information. After leaving his parent's house in Ballynahinch, he can be seen driving his black Citroen C4, registration BSZ 7103 in Castle Street Comber at around 10.30pm.

He later parked his car on High Street, opposite McBride's pub where it remained until it was recovered by police. The last sighting shows Pat walking down Castle Street at around 10.45pm where he goes under an archway that leads to flats.

The 55-year-old was wearing a beige jacket, blue jeans and brown brogue shoes. He is described as 5'3" in height and of medium build with short dark brown hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said: "We are now six days on from Pat's disappearance and his family deserve to know what has happened to him. I'm hoping that the release of this footage will jog people's memories. If you were in Comber on High Street or Castle Street after 10pm on Thursday evening, did you see Pat driving his car? Did you see him speaking to anyone or going anywhere with anyone? I am obviously very keen to recover Pat's body for his family. 

"I would also appeal to the public that if you are out walking in the area and see any discarded clothing, particularly the beige jacket, blue jeans or brown brogues, please contact detectives.

"Pat's phone hasn't been used from 30th May and it remains unaccounted for. It's an iPhone SE so if you're out and about and see this phone lying somewhere, please let me know. It could be broken, smashed or in pieces. 

"I have met with Pat's wife and parents and they are devastated. His mother and father are in their eighties and they deserve to get his body back. 

"Members of the local community could have information that could be key to giving Pat's family some answers. I would urge anyone who has any information surrounding Pat's disappearance to contact detectives at the incident room at Musgrave Street on 101."

Details can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG)