Missing Belfast man’s sister in emotional plea as searchenters secondweek
THE sister of missing Belfast man Michael Cullen yesterday made a fresh appeal for her brother to come home, exactly a week after he disappeared.
The 33-year-old, who works for the Ulster University, was last seen in the Cavehill Park area of north Belfast last Tuesday morning. He was in touch with his family at around 2.15pm that day.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Cathy Cullen pleaded for him to return home.
“Michael, if you are watching this, please come home. We all love you and miss you so much. All your family and friends love you and miss you. If you can’t come home right now, please call us or the police to let us know you are safe,” she said.
Michael’s family has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for an awareness campaign to help find him.
The page has already been shared 650 times on social media, and a Facebook group appealing for information now has over 4,500 members.
By last night the appeal had raised nearly £9,000.
Writing on the JustGiving page, another family member, Paul Cullen, said: “We are working on putting together an up to date timeline of events leading up to his disappearance in the hope that the general public can continue to come forward in support to bring Michael home sooner.
“Michael’s family and friends would like to thank the efforts of the PSNI North Belfast, all well-wishers, businesses and organisations so far that have stepped forward and helped. We will not stop until all lines of inquiry are pursued fully. Please help us in any way you can.”
Donors left messages of support and concern on the JustGiving page. One wrote: “We are keeping Michael and whole family in our prayers. Please God he will be found safe and well soon.”
Another said: “Praying for the safe return of Michael Cullen.”
Another donor wrote: “Please make contact Cull. Everyone misses you so, so much.”
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Reid appealed for Belfast business owners to examine their CCTV footage for possible sightings, and even asked people driving in the north or south of the city to check their dashcams.
He also asked for anyone who may have seen Michael on the number 61 bus down the Antrim Road into Belfast to make contact with the police.
DCI Reid said: “We know that Michael was a keen walker and fitness fanatic, and that he would sometimes frequent Cavehill Country Park in North Belfast. He would also go to the Boucher Road and Lisburn Road areas of south Belfast for coffees or a bite to eat. We’d just like to ask people, have you seen him in and around these areas.
“I am also appealing for all business owners to review any available CCTV footage, and anyone who may have been driving in the north or south of Belfast to review any dashcam footage for any possible sightings.”
DCI Reid said officers, supported by search advisers, were carrying out extensive searches along with Community Rescue Service volunteers, in the north and south of the city.
The PSNI has also been liaising with An Garda Siochana in the republic, which has also issued an appeal to help in the search.
Michael, from the North Circular Road area of Belfast, is 5ft 9ins tall. He is of slim build, with brown eyes, dark hair and a beard.
He was last seen wearing a green parka-style jacket, a grey jumper, black trousers and black Nike-style trainers with a broad, white sole.
DCI Reid added: “Anyone with information should call the PSNI on 101 or 999 if they feel that is more appropriate.”
For further information visit: www.facebook.com/groups/helpfindmichaelcullen