“We’re just hanging on and hoping for good news" - Concerns grow for missing person Gary Patterson
His brother, Simon Patterson from County Down, says he just wants him back.
Last updated 11th Jan 2025
Concerns are continuing to grow over missing person, Gary Patterson.
His brother, Simon Patterson from County Down, says he just wants him back.
It follows fresh appeals for information earlier this week, as the PSNI say they are growing ‘increasingly concerned.’
Inspector Ash said: “45-year-old Gary Patterson has now been missing for almost 3 months, having last been seen was last seen in Larne on Saturday, 12th October 2024.
“Gary was reported missing on Friday, 20th December and has links to the Larne and Belfast areas.”
Brother Simon, who lives in Bangor, spoke to CoolFM/Downtown exclusively: “He (Gary) lives in his wee flat in Larne and that’s his pride and joy. The fella he never takes drink or drugs or nothing like that. Things that Gary liked to do is go to the local DVD shop. He was an avid DVD collector.”
“Within his own wee bubble, he felt safe and secure.”
Over a year ago, the Patterson brothers sadly lost their mother. During this time Gary visited Simon’s home: “He was happy enough with myself and my wife and kids, he was just a bit uncomfortable. He was just sort of unsettled and a bit confused. We got him back up to Larne and as soon as he arrived, he came out of himself, and he was really, really happy. So, we just feel outside of his own territory he could get confused.”
Ground searches are continuing this weekend. Simon says anyone who wants to join in search efforts are more that welcome.
One is taking place tomorrow in Larne at 10am. Charity K9 Search and Rescue are involved.
He told us what it’s like during the searches: “Out searching I’ll be honest; I don’t want to find anything. I’d rather he just turned up happy and came to me and said, ‘What’s all the confusion about? I’m here I’m okay.’ But the reality, is we have to look at all aspects.”
“We’re just hanging on and hoping for good news. We’re not ignoring any leads at all. We want to find him whether it be bad new or good news. Please, please, please, someone must’ve seen him. If you know anything, please get in touch.”
A police statement reads:
“He has dark hair and when last seen, he had a thick moustache and was wearing a distinctive yellow and black check patterned coat with dark blue jeans, hiking/walking boots and a black beanie hat (pictured).
“We are growing increasingly concerned for Gary’s wellbeing and would ask that anyone who has seen him, or who may have information which may help us to locate him, contact police on 101, quoting reference 530 of 20/12/24.”
There is a Facebook page for information around searches for Gary: https://www.facebook.com/groups/580323954864290/
You can hear more about this story at the top of the hour in our news bulletins: https://hellorayo.co.uk/cool-fm/