A MAN who vanished just hours before his sister’s wedding has now been missing for more than five months.
John Burke, 38, of Ellesmere Port, was last seen at 9.30am on Saturday, August 7, when he said he was popping out to the shop – but never returned.
Dad-of-two Mr Burke, who is divorced and lives with his parents, is still missing and police are appealing to anyone with information of his whereabouts to contact them immediately.
Cheshire Constabulary spokesman Shelly Williams said: “The Constabulary will continue to investigate any new pieces of information in relation to missing Ellesmere Port man John Burke.
“Detectives have maintained a close liaison with John’s family in recent months and at present all proactive lines of enquiry have been exhausted.”
As part of the search police have dispatched air support teams, underwater search personnel and the Cheshire Lowland and search team in Rivacre Valley, Eastham Country Park and Eastham Ferry near the Mersey shoreline, near to Mr Burke’s home in Ellesmere Port.
Ms Williams added: “A number of large areas have been searched including farmland around Willaston, Rossmore, and other areas of parkland and waste land around Ellesmere Port.
“Extensive checks have been carried out by financial and telecoms investigation teams, advice and co-operation sought from the National Missing Persons Bureau and continued assistance from the local and regional press in appealing for John’s whereabouts.”
Shortly after Mr Burke’s disappearance, his sister Kate Williamson made an emotional appeal during a press conference calling for her brother to get in touch and let the family know he is safe.
In a statement released a month after his disappearance, his family said: “We know and understand that you may have your own reasons for leaving and not getting in touch, but please can you call us, we love you dearly and are consumed with worry.”
It is believed John went on foot on the day he disappeared in August and did not have access to a car. He is white, about 5ft 4in tall, slim but stocky in build, with dark hair which is receding at the front.
When he was last seen he was wearing a blue Adidas jacket with grey sleeves and stripes down the sides, a blue Dunlop T-shirt and white trainers.
Police are asking landowners to look in outbuildings to see if John is sheltering there.
Ms Williams added: “We continue to appeal to the local community or anyone who has any information regarding John’s whereabouts to contact Cheshire Police as your information will be acted upon.”
Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen John since the morning of Saturday, August 7, or have information regarding his current whereabouts, to make contact with them on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police are also appealing to John himself to make contact with police or a family member should he hear about this appeal, to provide reassurance that he is indeed safe and well.