Missing man's family 'at a loss' on how to proceed with searches

By David Hunter

The family of a man from Northern Ireland who's gone missing in Israel say they have no further information or leads on his where abouts. 

Oliver McAfee, originally from Dromore in Co.Down, was last seen on cycle trails in the country in October last year.

The 29 year old's family have posted an update online, where they say they're at a loss as to how to proceed. 

They say the physical search for Ollie has hit a brick wall, despite his brother travelling there recently for a number of appeals. 

In January, police in the country said it was likely he could still be alive. 

Travellers in Israel found his wallet, keys and a tablet computer in the early stages of the search operation, but little more has been found since. 

The online post read: "Sorry for the lack of updates - unfortunately this is a reflection of the circumstances that we face - We have no further information nor leads on what has happened to Oliver or his current whereabouts.

"We are seeking to obtain accurate details of his phone usage, but as yet are no wiser. As far as the physical search is concerned, this has come to a stand-still for the time being."

Mr.McAfee's family also said they were 'eternally grateful' to those that have helped the search so far.

"We are somewhat overwhelmed and frustrated as we have come up against a brick wall; we are at a complete loss as to how to proceed" they said. 

"We remain hopeful and continue to pray that Oliver will return to us."