Missing teen ‘was unhappy in Spain’

MISSING teenager Amy Fitzpatrick has been described as being homesick since she emigrated to Spain — as fears for her wellbeing intensified last night.

The Dublin-born 15-year-old has not been seen since her disappearance from her new home in Fuengirola on Spain’s Costa Del Sol on January 1.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Amy’s father Christopher Fitzpatrick said she called him two days before she went missing.

Her father said his daughter left a voice message and sounded upset.

He revealed the she also rang over Christmas and speaking at his home in Artane yesterday Mr Fitzpatrick said he now feared the worst.

“I am worried sick about her. I don’t know what to think but if Amy was able to make contact with her mother Audrey or myself she would definitely have done it by now.

“Amy hated Spain, she never really settled there and kept saying she wanted to come home,” he said.

The missing teenager had moved to Spain with her mother, Audrey, step-father Dave Mahon and brother Dean Fitzpatrick four years ago.

She has not been seen since taking a shortcut home from her friend’s house in the resort town of Fuengirola on New Year’s Day.

Her family in Spain and Ireland have both appealed for information on her whereabouts.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has offered consular assistant to the family but last night this had yet to be taken up.

Yesterday, the department said it was in constant communication with its embassy in Madrid regarding the missing teenager.

Last night, Amy’s aunt Christine Kenny appealed for information.

“If Amy can get to a phone please contact the family, the gardaí in Dublin or the police in Spain.

“But if somebody has taken Amy we want to know that she is okay,” said Ms Kenny.

Searches for the missing teenager have continued with police in Spain bringing in sniffer dogs to search the hills overlooking the family’s home.

Amy, described as a shy and quiet by her mother Audrey, was formally reported missing last Thursday morning.

Initial reports suggested the 15-year-old may have run away.

Ms Fitzpatrick said she is convinced Amy was being held against her will, but pleaded with her to get in touch if she had run away.