Police in the North have launched a murder inquiry following the disappearance of man in County Down last week.
55-year-old Pat (William) McCormick was last seen in the town of Comber last Thursday evening.
He has not been in contact with his family in the days since.
In a statement this evening, PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said that while detectives are “keeping an open mind” they now believe that “Pat has sadly been murdered.”
He said two people were arrested in the Comber area yesterday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping while a 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and perverting the course of justice.
They were later arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
“Pat was a father-of-four and his family deserve to know what has happened to him,” said Detective Chief Inspector Montgomery.
“Today, I’m making an appeal for information about the circumstances leading to Pat’s disappearance.
“I want to speak to anyone who saw Pat in his car or walking in the Comber area on 30th May.
He said police are trying to establish whether he was with anyone and which direction he was travelling.
“I am also asking if anyone has seen Pat or had contact with him since 30th May to let us know,” he said.
Mr McCormick is described as being 5' 3" in height and of medium build with short dark brown hair.
Detective Chief Inspector Montgomery urged anyone with any information to contact police.
He said police are especially interested in talking to anyone who may have dash-cam footage in the Comber area on Thursday May 30th from 8pm until midnight.
