Archbishop plea over missing man

THE Catholic Primate of Ireland last night appealed for information about a missing man amid fears he has been abducted by the Provisional IRA.

Gareth O’Connor, 24, has not been seen since he left his home in Armagh city on Monday to report to police across the Border in Dundalk as terms of his bail conditions.

His family fear he is being held by the IRA because of allegations he could be involved with dissident republicans.

Archbishop Sean Brady appealed for anyone with any information about Mr O’Connor to come forward.

His father Mark said last night that he was convinced the IRA was behind his son’s disappearance.

“I am 100% certain that it is the Provisional IRA because he doesn’t agree with them. Does that mean they are going to abduct the whole of Northern Ireland because they don’t agree with them?”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said last night it had received a report yesterday that a man had gone missing and that his family were concerned.

“When police tried to investigate the matter, family members told them their assistance was no longer required,” added the spokesman.