‘I need you home’: Grandfather appeals to missing Cookstown man

The grandfather of a missing 21-year-old Cookstown man has issued an appeal for him to return.

Taylor Stewart was last seen in the Church Heights area at around 5.30am on New Year’s Day.

His grandfather Mitchell Crooks said: “We just want Taylor to come home.

“The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days.

“Please Taylor, just let us know that you are safe, you promised to help me with a few issues with my car so I need you home to help, please get in contact.”

In a statement, PSNI Superintendent Peter Stevenson described search efforts as “complex” and having covered “a lot of ground”, he added there has been an “extensive” police presence in the town.

He said volunteers from the Community Rescue Service, Search & Rescue Dog Association Ireland North and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue have taken part in the search efforts.

Mr Stevenson acknowledged that a “young man being missing in such cold conditions is causing real concern amongst local people”, but warned the public not to “put themselves or others at risk”.

He said the police are “grateful” people want to help with the search efforts, but said snow and ice are “posing safety issues to even our experienced teams”.

He added: “Check in with local officers for advice before you commence any search of your own.”

Mr Stewart is described as 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with dark hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green/brown boots.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have been out in the area at the time he was last seen to make contact with them.

They have also asked anyone with an outbuilding, garage or shed to check their premises, in case he made his way inside to seek shelter.