Nightmare goes on for families of the missing

MANY presents are still lying unwrapped under the Christmas tree in homes around the country because their recipients are not around to open them.

While it is a season for spending with loved ones for most families, the festive spirit can be hard to find in homes filled with sadness because a parent, child or sibling is missing.

Although most of the hundreds of people reported missing in Ireland every year turn up safe and well, the waiting has gone on for months and years for dozens of families.