Alan Whiteside: public thanked for assistance during searches for missing Antrim man

Officers had issued a number of appeals for information after the 33-year-old was last seen on a path in Antrim town centre along the side of Six Mile Water river shortly after 9pm on December 17 2023.

Expressing condolences to Alan’s loved ones, Detective Inspector Lenaghan said: “Our thoughts are with Alan’s family at this sad time and Alan’s mother, Pamela and his family along with myself would like to thank our partner agencies, Community Rescue Service, Lough Neagh Rescue, SARDA IN, Skywatch and HMCG who have all worked tirelessly to help find Alan.

"We would also like to thank the public for all their huge assistance throughout this difficult time with searches and enquiries.”

Volunteers from the Community Rescue Service Belfast District had conducted searches for Alan for over 50 days.

Paying tribute to Alan, a spokesperson for the Community Rescue Service stated: “Searches were conducted each day for 51 days in our endeavours to bring Alan home.

"The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the missing person at this sad time.”

A Facebook group, ‘Bring Alan Home,’ was established to help share information during the search operation.

Following the discovery of Alan’s body, a spokesperson for the group explained: “Thanks to everyone who messaged, shared, helped us look for Alan over the past nine weeks. Obviously not the outcome anyone wanted. Pamela will continue to be supported by family and close friends.”