Parents appeal for missing backpacker

The Irish parents of a British 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, now living in Northampton in England, travelled to Sydney to aid the police inquiry into the disappearance of their son, Sean, aged 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 Irish band Ash. He split up from his friends and has not been sighted since he was 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.

Mrs Kennedy told reporters at a press conference: “Sean is the kind of son any parent would be proud of. He’s considerate and very funny – he has a great sense of humour.

“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. He was in great form. He’s been really loving his time in Sydney and had settled into his life in the city.

“Our lives have been turned upside down. We’re just devastated by his disappearance.”

A check of Mr Kennedy’s financial records had shown that his bank accounts had not been touched since his disappearance.

Detectives are following up several leads after revellers in the area were shown photographs of the missing man.

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

The couple were planning a month-long trip north along Australia’s east coast in September before heading to Asia.