Frank McKeever’s family fear he has come to harm

A £20,000 reward is now being offered for information to solve the case of a man who disappeared “without trace” last summer.

Over seven months after his last sighting, officers are still searching for 63-year-old Frank McKeever, a “cheerful and gentle” man from De Beauvoir Town.

Reported missing on September 9, police say he has not been seen or heard from since August 28, when he was spotted walking along Highbury Park, close to the junction with Highbury Grange. He was last seen on CCTV wearing a black bomber jacket, a black top, dark trousers and black shoes.

Yesterday (Thursday), police announced a reward of up to £20,000 for anyone with information that could lead to Mr McKeever’s whereabouts. They are particularly eager to locate a rucksack that Mr McKeever often took with him that hasn’t yet been found.

Marine Policing Unit divers recently searched Regent’s Canal near Shepperton Road. The Specialist Crime team is now investigating Mr McKeever’s disappearance; both police and family fear he has come to serious harm.

A CCTV image of Mr McKeever in Highbury Park last year

Between September and December last year, police arrested a woman and a man on suspicion of murder, and another woman on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All three have since been released under investigation.

In a statement, Mr McKeever’s family paid tribute to him as having a “cheerful and gentle personality and sense of humour”.

They said: “Please could you help us find our brother, Frank McKeever, who has been missing since 28 August 2021? Our family had lost touch for some years but we were so happy to re-connect with him last summer and we’re looking forward to being with him again to rebuild family ties.

“He seemed happy and positive about the future and he remained loyal to his favourite football team, Birmingham City. We miss his cheerful and gentle personality and sense of humour.

“Sadly, he has now disappeared without trace and we are desperate for any news.

A rucksack like the one Mr McKeever would often carry with him

“We are very worried for his welfare and safety and will give help and support for anything he needs.

“If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Missing People charity, or the police. A reward is being offered.”

Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Frank has not been seen since August last year and we strongly suspect he has come to serious harm.

“Frank has not used his phone or his bank account and his disappearance is very out of character.

“The substantial reward being offered to find Frank shows our determination to find him and answer the questions about his disappearance. His family are suffering hugely and we are doing all we can to provide them with support.

“I am asking the public in turn to support us and tell us anything they know that might help us discover what has happened to Frank.

“No piece of information is too small; please make contact and tell us what you know, it could make you eligible for a substantial reward.”