Taylor Stewart Cookstown: PSNI confirm that body has been found during search for young man

Police said that while formal identification has not taken place, the family of Taylor, who has been missing since the early hours of New Year's Day, has been informed.

Mr Stewart, 21, was last seen in the Church Heights area at around 5.30am on New Year’s Day.

On Sunday police issued a direct appeal to Mr Stewart from his grandfather, as they continued to search for the missing Cookstown man.

Speaking on Sunday, Superintendent Peter Stevenson thanked everyone who had forward with information so far, and expressed hope that Taylor heard their appeal.

Police had been searching for him since Thursday, he said, and the community will have seen an extensive police presence throughout the town.

Officers were working hard alongside voluntary partners from Community Rescue Service, Search & Rescue Dog Association Ireland North and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue, with enquiries coordinated by a Police Search Advisor (POLSA).

While police have not offered any confirmation about the identity of the body found, around 150 people and counting expressed their sadness and sympathy on social media in response to the find.

Typical of many was Caroline Lowry who described it as “heartbreaking news” offering her “deepest sympathy at this unimaginable time”.

Another poster, Carol Healy, spoke for many when she said: “No words can console the family and friends RIP - absolutely devastating for them.”

Meanwhile Annemarie McConville said she had been “praying so much for this young man to be found... but not this way”.

She offered “condolences to all who knew and loved him” noting the impact the news would have on his grandfather, Mitchell Crooks, who issued a personal appeal to Taylor on Sunday.

“We just want Taylor to come home,” he said. “The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days. Please Taylor, just let us know that you are safe, you promised to help me with a few issues with my car so I need you home to help, please get in contact.”

In his statement on Sunday, Supt Stevenson continued that a young man being missing in such cold conditions was causing "real concern” amongst local people.

Police were also really grateful that so many people offered to help, he said, but he noted it was “a complex search, covering a lot of ground.”

He added: “We do not want the public to put themselves or others at risk, particularly when snow and ice are posing safety issues to even our experienced teams.” He ured the public to contact local officers before beginning any search.

He also repeated appeals for anyone who may have been in the area at the time Taylor was last seen, to make contact. "Even a seemingly insignificant piece of information could help.” He said Taylor is 5ft 8in, medium build with dark hair and brown eyes.