Hopes dashed as reports of finding missing Galway teen prove untrue

The family of the Galway teenager missing in London since Wednesday saw joy turn to anguish last night as a report that he had been found proved to be untrue.

Patrick Halpin’s family were told by British police that he had been located after “inaccurate” information from an airport that he had boarded a flight home. It is understood his name had been included on a block booking of students due to return to Dublin.

Quickly after the news broke and the family’s hopes were dashed, Patrick’s sister Regina, who has been using social media to appeal for people to search for him, tweeted: “Unfortunately there was a mix-up of information. Patrick has not been found and we ask that you continue to help in anyway you can.”

The 18-year-old from Loughrea, Co Galway, left a nightclub near Leicester Square shortly after midnight to get food but did not return to his hostel in Bloomsbury.

He was on a trip with around 25 members of the student drama society at Dublin City University, where he is in first year, studying actuarial maths.

DCU students union president Aaron Clogher encouraged the public to continue sharing Patrick’s picture and details on social media, as friends of family in London might see it and think of something that could help.

At midnight last night, friends of the family, along with volunteers, were due to go back on the streets of London to hand out fliers in the hope someone might have seen Patrick.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers in Britain on 0800 555 111.