LAST UPDATE | 18 Mar

GARDAÍ AND THE PSNI have appealed for help in locating a missing person who was last seen in Co Louth.

Shane McEvoy, 38, from Newry in Co Down is a member of the Irish Defence Forces, serving in the army.

He was previously said to have been last seen at around 5pm on Friday, 13 March in the Old Dublin Road area of Newry.

However, in an updated appeal today, the PSNI and gardaí now say it is believed that the last sighting of Shane was between 9pm and 9.30pm on 13 March in the vicinity of Thompsons yard, close to Circle K near Junction 20 in Ravensdale, Co Louth.

Ravensdale is around a ten-minute drive from Dundalk.

The PSNI said that Shane was wearing a dark-coloured top and dark jeans.

It was also noted that he appeared to be walking with a limp and may be injured.

In a short statement, the Irish Defences Forces said: “Óglaigh na hÉireann are aware of the ongoing search for a missing member. We have assigned a Liaison Officer to support the family at this time and are providing personnel to assist An Garda Síochána with search efforts.”

The PSNI said it “cannot be ruled out if Shane has remained in the Republic of Ireland or returned to Northern Ireland”.

“Given the close proximity of this location, police are seeking any information of his whereabouts,” said a PSNI spokesperson.

Anyone who may have information on Shane’s whereabouts is asked to make contact with the PSNI or gardaí. 

Local councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille said they are asking anyone who may have any outbuildings in the area to check them, and if they have any information or may have seen Shane to contact the authorities.

“Our thoughts are with all his family and friends at this time,” she said.