Noah Donohoe search: expert urges volunteers to avoid key search areas

Too many well-meaning people converging on key search areas are hampering the efforts to locate missing schoolboy Noah Donohoe, a search expert has said.
By Mark Rainey
Published 24th Jun 2020, 15:52 BST
Updated 24th Jun 2020, 16:25 BST
Local residents have assisted the search for missing 14-year-old Noel Donahoe who disappeared in north Belfast on Sunday. Picture: Stephen Davison/PacemakerLocal residents have assisted the search for missing 14-year-old Noel Donahoe who disappeared in north Belfast on Sunday. Picture: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker
Local residents have assisted the search for missing 14-year-old Noel Donahoe who disappeared in north Belfast on Sunday. Picture: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker

Sean McCarry of the Community Rescue Service (CRS) has urged those volunteered offering their services to focus on the gardens and outbuildings of residential properties in north Belfast.

The 14-year-old St Malachy’s pupil was last seen cycling in the Northwood Road area where he abandoned both his clothing and his bicycle shortly after 6pm on Sunday.

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Hundreds of volunteers have been involved in searches now covering several square miles.

However, the CRS regional commander said the overwhelming response to a number of unofficial appeals for help has led to an “unsafe” situation on the ground.

“We can’t keep control of the search as there are people everywhere,” he said.

“What we really need is the public to check and recheck their sheds, and even inside their own houses, because this young man was confused and disorientated.

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“We don’t know why he was confused and disorientated and, if that is the case, he could have walked into a person’s house and he could be in a cupboard or anywhere.

“People should also encourage their neighbours to do the same. That would help tremendously,” Mr McCarry added.

Related topics:Belfast