Search continues for missing Michael Murphy

Jan 6 2012 By Eleanor Barlow

THE search is continuing for missing man Michael Murphy.  

The 32-year-old, from Flintshire, was last seen leaving work at Convatec on Deeside Industrial Park at about 6am on Wednesday.  

His red Volkswagen Polo was later discovered on the westbound carriageway of the Flintshire Bridge, sparking a major search.  

Flint RNLI volunteer crew are resuming a search of the River Dee today.  

The North East Wales Search and Rescue team, regional  Police Underwater Search Team, North  West Air Operations Unit and members of Search and  Rescue Dogs Association Wales have also been involved in the search operation.  

Since his disappearance more than 1,000 people have joined the group Missing Michael Murphy on social networking site Facebook.  

Officers have appealed for the public’s help  in finding Mr Murphy, who is described  as white, 5ft 10’ tall, of medium build  with short fair hair which is balding.  

It’s not known what he was wearing.  

Police said Mr Murphy’s car, registration number S412 RTG, was recovered from the westbound carriageway of the Flintshire Bridge, also known  as the New Bridge or Connah’s Quay  Bridge – which leads from the Deeside  Industrial Estate to Flint, at around  2pm on Wednesday.  

Detective Inspector Alun Oldfield  said: “I appeal to anyone who has seen  Michael or who knows of his whereabouts to contact police immediately.  

“I particularly urge anyone who left  the Deeside Industrial Estate or who was  travelling into work yesterday to think  back and to contact us immediately if  they recall seeing the red coloured car, if  they recall seeing anyone leaving the car  or walking near or on the bridge.”  

He added: “River conditions have not been favourable for searching but the water area  is being searched in spite of the adverse  weather conditions.”  

ANYONE with information or who  may know of the whereabouts of Mr  Murphy is urged to contact North Wales  Police on 101 (if in Wales) or 0300 3300  101.