Family make emotional appeal for missing Michael Cullen

Today, one week on from being reported missing, police have made a fresh appeal to help find the 33-year-old.

Speaking on behalf of Michael’s family, his sister Cathy Cullen said, “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.”

Michael was reported missing from his home in the North Circular Road area of Belfast. He was last in contact with his family at around 2.15pm on Tuesday, 9 January.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Reid said, “I am appealing to Michael or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact Police on 101 and quote reference number 622 09/01/18.

“Michael is 5’9” tall. He is of slim build with brown eyes, dark hair and beard. It is believed he is wearing a green parka style jacket, grey jumper, black trousers and black trainers.

“Local police, supported by our search advisors, Tactical Support Group and Air Support colleagues are continuing to carry out extensive searches alongside volunteers from Community Rescue Service, concentrating our efforts in locations in the North and South of the city. We have also been liaising with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, who have also issued an appeal for information.

“We know that Michael would sometimes frequent Cavehill Country Park in North Belfast, the Lisburn Road and Boucher Road areas of South Belfast. 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.”

And a fundraising page has been set up to assist the effort of finding Michael Cullen where "100% of funding raised will be used to help find Cull".

To date £8619 of a desired total of £10,000 has been donated.

"We would like to expand the search platform via social media | press | promotional campaigns, and in order to do so, we need funding to do so," says the fundraising page.

"Michael was last seen on the morning of Tuesday 9th January and has been out of contact from the afternoon of that day.

"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 - and would like to give particular thanks the to volunteer members of the Community Rescue Service Belfast who have been working tirelessly, night and day searching the Cave Hill forest park since Tuesday evening."

The page encourages the public to join the FB group at Help Find Michael Cullen – Facebook Page.