Irishman held in Colombia 'missing for seven years'

The mystery surrounding the fourth Irishman detained by Colombia's military has taken another twist when it emerged that he has apparently been reported missing for seven and a half years.

According to the Missing Irish People website www.missing.ws Kevin Crennan has been missing since January 1994.

Details on the website about Mr Crennan's qualifications and where he comes from match information the man held in Colombia gave today to the Associated Press news agency.

It claims Mr Crennan, 37, suddenly lost contact with his family in Ireland and his brother in England shortly after moving to live in Barcelona.

The details were even updated on May 10 this year with different pictures of Mr Crennan and another plea from his family to find out his whereabouts and whether he is safe and well.

He is being questioned by Colombian police about alleged links to the IRA.

Speaking from custody, Mr Crennan, 37, said that officials are planning to put him on a plane out of the country by the end of today at the latest.

Government officials have not confirmed his account.

Reports that Mr Crennan is alive and well will come as a huge relief to his friends and family.

The website, which was set up in May 2000, currently lists 29 Irish people missing all over the world and features messages from their families.