Missing man’s parents appeal for help in Sydney

THE parents of an Irish backpacker who went missing in Australia after getting into an argument at a concert have appealed for information on his whereabouts.

Donal and Denise Kennedy, who are living in Northampton, travelled to Sydney to aid the police inquiry into the disappearance of their son, Sean, 22.

He was last seen outside the Metro theatre in Sydney eight days ago after an argument with other concert-goers.

Mr Kennedy had been out with two flatmates at a concert by Northern Ireland band Ash. He split from his friends and has not been seen since being ordered out of the theatre after the row.

New South Wales Police said they had “grave concerns” for the welfare of the former Liverpool University student.

Speaking at a press conference, Mrs Kennedy said: “Sean is the kind of son any parent would be proud of. He’s a gentle giant who wouldn’t want to hurt anyone, he’s such a likeable person. We both spoke with him on the Saturday before his disappearance. Our lives have been turned upside down. We’re just devastated.”

Surry Hills Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Dave Egan-Lee, said a financial records check had shown Mr Kennedy’s bank accounts had not been touched since he disappeared.

He said detectives were following up several leads after revellers in the area were shown photographs of the missing man.

“We carried out an extensive canvass near the nightclub where Sean was last seen.

“As a result ... we are following up an unconfirmed sighting of Sean at a neighbouring nightclub,” Insp Egan-Lee said.

Mr Kennedy had been in Australia with girlfriend Catherine Rowden on a working holiday since February.