POLICE have renewed their appeal for information regarding the disappearance of a Holywood man 20 years ago as his family say they suspect foul play.
Martin Kelly was 22 when he disappeared on New Year’s Day 2006 after watching football with friends at Pat’s Bar, which is now closed, in Belfast’s Sailortown area. CCTV later showed the Holywood man walking along the water’s edge.
Renewing the appeal for information, Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said the disappearance of Martin has had a profound impact on his family.
“Martin, who worked as a plumber and a part-time bar man in the Priory Inn at Holywood, worked on New Year’s Eve 2005 and then went on to two house parties with friends.
“On New Year’s Day, he and his friends went to Pat’s Bar in Garmoyle Street to watch a football match. The friends left and Martin remained in the bar talking to other customers.
He left at about 7.10pm and hasn’t been seen since. “Martin, who is about 6ft 1in tall and of slim build with short dark hair, was wearing a black ‘Guinness’ T-shirt and blue jeans.
“Police investigating Martin’s disappearance carried out searches on land and on the water and deployed the diving team and air support team in these searches. We have also undertaken extensive enquiries but despite conducting a wide range of interviews and reviewing all available CCTV relating to the incident, Martin has not been located.
“The police officer said they remain committed and determined to discovering what happened to Martin and detectives will continue to follow up all new lines of enquiry and any new information.
“We would urge anyone who may have knowledge of Martin’s disappearance to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Information can be given to detectives by calling 101, the independent
charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Missing People on 116 000.
Martin’s father Raymond Kelly has said he has never accepted that his son fell into the River Lagan and believes he was murdered.
Speaking to the Sunday Life newspaper, Mr Kelly said there is a witness he considers central to the case, but who has repeatedly refused to speak, despite earlier attempts to approach him through his family.
In the interview, Mr Kelly confirmed he had plans to confront the
man in the new year, believing it is long overdue.
Mr Kelly has stated he believes loyalist paramilitaries were involved and said his son
appeared stressed in the weeks before his disappearance.
He has also questioned why Martin had two mobile phones on the night he went missing and wants more information on the single call which Martin received that night before he
went missing.
Mr Kelly said several people who were present at the time know far more than they have ever admitted and continue to withhold information.
The night before Martin vanished, he had been drinking with friends at the Priory Inn in
Holywood, where he worked part-time. Raymond Kelly is also seeking to speak to two women who were reportedly overheard discussing plans involving Martin on that night.
