Bury man missing for months

Date published: 11 April 2009

Police are becoming increasingly concerned about a Bury man who has not been seen since last October.

Darrell McCarthy (also known as Townsend) was reported missing by his aunt on 13 March 2009, but nobody can confirm having seen him since last October, when he was seen in the Bury area.

She became especially concerned about Darrell after he failed to get in contact with his children at Christmas 2008.

When he was last seen Darrell was wearing a brown duffle coat, light brown casual pants and Timberland boots.

He is very distinctive in appearance, standing at 6ft 2in tall, with brown eyes and a bald head. He has Celtic tattoos on his head that are clearly visible.

Darrell has lived a chaotic lifestyle for some years, frequenting the Breightmet area of Bolton, Bury and Manchester town centre. Darrell also had a fondness for Cornwall having visited there previously.

Darrell's aunt Bev Glenholme said it was highly unusual for Darrell not to keep in touch with his family, in particular his two sons aged nine and 13.

Mrs Glenholme said: "We are very worried about Darrell. He used to see his two boys every few weeks, so it is very unlike him not to stay in contact."

Detective Inspector Sarah Jackson from Bury CID said: "We've had several calls from people saying they've seen Darrell, but we've not been able to corroborate any of these reports. We know that he lived a rather nomadic existence, staying with casual associates all over Greater Manchester, but because he looks so distinctive we're hoping someone can call us and say they've seen him recently so we can make sure he is OK. If you have seen Darrell, or know where he is, please get in touch straight away."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8248, or GMP's switchboard on 0161 872 5050.