Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Renewed hope for family of missing dad
The concerned son of a beloved Coatbridge man who went missing seven years ago has made an emotional appeal to let his dad know “it’s never too late to come home” after it emerged police are investigating a potential new sighting.
Paul Harley disappeared from his home in the town on September 28, 2014.
For years his heartbroken family have been searching for answers, but have now been given fresh hope after a potential sighting of the 60-year-old in Glasgow.
It comes after his son, also named Paul Harley, was shown a picture of a man who was “very similar” to his dad standing in St Enoch Square.
The 38-year-old is now desperate to let his dad know “it’s never too late to come home” and “the door is still open”.
Paul said: “We are desperate to find out where our dad is, or even know he’s alive. We got this picture of someone who looks really similar to him standing outside St Enoch’s with shopping bags.
“It isn’t clear exactly when the picture was taken but police are looking into it now to try and find out.
“After all this time it is hard to believe he is still out there but the picture really looks like him.
“It is absolutely awful for my family not knowing what happened to my dad or where he is and we just want to know if he is okay.
“It has been seven years now and we still have no answers, but there is no bad blood or anything between us.
“It is never too late to come home; the door is still open for our dad.”
Paul believed he would now only ever find his father’s body before the pictures emerged showing a man with a striking resemblance to the dad-ofthree. It has given the family hope that he is still alive but too anxious to return home after so long. Those who passed on the images to Paul described how the man pictured told them he was worried he had “messed everything up” and had similar problems to their dad.
Paul added: “Up until recently I thought we were looking for a body, I didn’t believe he could still be alive.
“I’ve watched police divers search rivers and lakes for his body; no one should have to go through that.
“After all this time me and my family really just want some answers and to find out what happened.
“I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, because you can get carried away then come down with a bang.”
Detective Sergeant David Lavery said : “We are aware of the image and potential sighting of Paul Harley and we are carrying out enquiries.
“We are in close contact with Mr Harley’s family and they have been fully updated on our investigations.
“If anyone knows the whereabouts of Paul, I would ask them to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Paul is described as white, around 5ft 5ins in height, with black receding hair and green eyes. He has the name Kyla tattooed on his right arm. Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101.