Fears growing for NI cyclist missing in Israel

By David Hunter

A cyclist from Northern Ireland has gone missing during a trip to Israel with friends and family saying they're "very worried" for him.

Police and rescue teams are searching for Oliver McAfee who hasn't been seen from the National Trail in the country since late November.

Ollie, from Dromore ,Co.Down, had been living and working in Essex, England but gave up his job last year to go cycling. 

The 29 year old's friends have started a Facebook page appealing for help in finding him.

Friend Mark Fletcher wrote: "At the end of October, Ollie went on a cycling trip to Israel to explore and visit the Holy Land.

"He intended to stay for five weeks and return at the beginning of December, but missed his return date. As time passed without contact, we became concerned that we hadn't heard from him and started reaching out to people he had stayed with in the past and friends in Israel.

"Since then, as we still have no contact and no response, his brother and I have contacted the UK foreign office and police to report Ollie as missing."

It's understood some of his possessions including a tablet computer, wallet and keys, were found near a trail. Other items, including his bike and bags were found at another location. 

"The Israeli authorities are now working with Interpol and the UKFO to try and locate Ollie, and have started a media campaign in Israel to try and find him" Mark said. 

"If you have any information or know anyone in Israel that you can share this page with, please do - any tiny clue might help us find him."