'Please come home' - Families plea to missing Newtownabbey man

By David Hunter

The family of missing man, Dean McIlwaine say they're 'desperate' for him to come home. 

The 22 year old was last seen by a family member on July 13th at around 1pm on the Carnmoney Road in the town. 

On Thursday, detectives returned to the Carnmoney Road to stop cars and hand out 'missing person' flyers to drivers in the area. 

At the same time Police teams, Community Rescue Volunteers and specialist dog units searched a nearby forested area at Carnmoney Train halt. 

search underway in Newtownabbey with community rescue service, PSNI & specialist dog unit after Dean McIlwaine's family made emotional plea. pic.twitter.com/8jhPdpTY85

— David Hunter (@davidhunter7) July 20, 2017

Superintendent Emma Bond appealed for information alongside Dean's family.

His parents, Karen and Rod, alongside Brother, Glen spoke to the media. 

Glen praised his brother's success and ambition saying 'I wish I could be him'.

"We're just at a loss, we don't know what to do with ourselves" he said.

"Any lead we get it just ends up nothing. Dean, I'm your brother, wherever you are just let us know something. 

"I need my brother back, Mum and Dad need their son back. We just need you to come home, It's been too long now."

Karen McIlwaine told reporters: "I just cant understand. Son, just come home. He was loved so much and I just can't believe it. I just want him home." 

Dean McIlwaine's mum, Karen, says she can't believe her 22 year old son has been missing for more than a week in Newtownabbey pic.twitter.com/dFqWfTIKfQ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 20, 2017

Police say they've had a number of unconfirmed reports from members of the public that Dean has been spotted alive and well. 

At the time he went missing the young Barber was wearing a light-coloured t-shirt, blue denim shorts, and flip-flops.

CCTV images from a shop near his family home also confirm he was there on July 13th. 

Dean is described as being around 5"8 in height, of medium build and with sleeve tattoo's on both arms. 

Police are returning to Carnmoney Rd today in a bid to help find Dean. pic.twitter.com/jZta4Bj2KT

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 20, 2017