COME HOME DEAN

Dean Patton was last seen at 3pm in the resort last Tuesday afternoon.

The 24-year-old has not been in contact with either his friends or family since.

Dean’s mother, Linda Patton, said that it is not in her son’s nature to disappear without contacting his family.

“The last confirmed sighting of Dean was in Portrush last Tuesday and that is the last that anyone has heard of him,” she said.

“He hasn’t phoned anybody since either.

“It’s totally out of character; it’s just not like him.”

Dean moved from his parents’ home to his own property, also in the town, a fortnight ago.

Mrs Patton last spoke to her son on Monday morning before she headed off to work.

She said that she didn’t sense anything unusual or untoward from the conversation.

Mrs Patton added that her son is extremely popular and well-liked throughout the north coast.

“He has a lot of friends and nobody has a bad word to say about him,” she said.

“He has a true circle of friends.

“He was at a party on Monday night, but we know his best friend last spoke to him on Sunday.”

Mrs Patton said that Dean’s father John and his 14-year-old sister Stefanie are both deeply concerned for his welfare and desperate for his safe return.

Asked what her message would be to anyone who knew of Dean’s whereabouts, Mrs Patton said: “To contact anybody with whatever information they have, no matter how small they think it is.

“We just want Dean home.”

Dean’s father John said that he has been amazed at the number of people who have been helping in the search for Dean.

“I’m astounded by the way Portrush has rallied round,” Mr Patton said.

“Everyone has come together to try and help find him.”

Members of the coastguard were involved in land and sea searches over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A Coastguard helicopter from Sligo was tasked to the area on Saturday morning .

On land, searches of derelict properties and outhouses were conducted by the Community Rescue Service.

Dean is described as being around 6ft tall with dark hair and a tanned complexion.

He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

Police have appealed for information regarding his whereabouts and have urged local residents to check sheds and outhouses at their properties.