UPDATED: £10,000 reward offered after disappearance of Northern Ireland father-of-four now treated as murder

The disappearance of a family man from County Down has prompted Northern Ireland Crimestoppers to offer a reward for information.

William “Pat” McCormick was last seen by his parents on Thursday 30 May 2019. He has not made any attempt to contact his family, he failed to complete work or family commitments and his bank account has remained untouched. His vehicle was later found in Comber.

Pat was reported missing on Saturday 1 June. However, his disappearance is now being treated as murder. We are putting up a £10,000 reward to support the investigation. We guarantee 100% anonymity to everyone who contacts us with information about crime. 

It is hoped the publicity around the reward will help jog someone’s memory or encourage them to speak up anonymously about what they know.

***We are now offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information we receive that leads to the recovery of Pat McCormick’s body***

“Pat’s family are completely devastated about what has happened. They are all desperate for answers and want to know where his body is so they can hold a funeral.

“We believe everyone has the right to live their life safe from crime. This case has shocked the community across Northern Ireland. People who contact us are keen to do the right thing. We appreciate that for some people speaking directly to the police is not an option, which is why our independent charity is here to help.

“In our history of over 30 years, our charity has always kept the promise that everyone who contacts us stays completely anonymous. You can tell us what you know by calling 0800 555 111 or using our anonymous online form here on our website. Even a small snippet of information can make a huge difference.”

UPDATED: Mr McCormick’s body has now been found by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, after a tip-off was received. It was discovered in a lake in the Ballygowan area on Tuesday July 9.

Detectives believe Mr McCormick was killed in or around the vicinity of flats in Castle Street, Comber, and are conducting a murder inquiry.

Mr McCormick’s wife Alison said: “I would like to thank the Comber community for all their help and information that they have given police to help recover Pat. Myself and his four children are truly thankful.”

Mr McCormick’s brother Harry also thanked the public for their support.

“The last six weeks have been devastating for his parents, brothers, wife and beautiful four children. However, we are grateful to now have Pat home for our final goodbyes and burial.

“A massive thank you to everyone for their support and prayers, especially the public of Comber.”

***Note: Information passed directly to police will not qualify. The reward will only qualify if information is passed to us via our 0800 555 111 number or via our untraceable anonymous online form.***