Frank McKeever

THE devastated family of a man who disappeared “without trace” last summer have re-issued an appeal for help finding him just days after the anniversary of the day he went missing.

Police issued CCTV footage of Frank McKeever, 63, making what is thought to be his last known journey, walking along Highbury Park close to the junction of Highbury Grange. He stopped using his phone or bank cards shortly afterwards.

The Birmingham City fan, who lived in the N1 area of Islington, was first reported missing 12 days later on September 9. Police now believe he has come to harm and are treating the hunt as a murder investigation.

Mr McKeever’s siblings, who had lost touch with him in previous years but had been “so happy” to recently reconnect, said: “He seemed happy and positive about the future and he had remained loyal to his favourite football team, Birmingham City.

“We really miss his cheerful and gentle personality and his sense of humour. He had a zest for life and loved chatting to people and was no doubt looking forward to celebrating his birthday on August 31 and the bank holiday weekend.

Police have released CCTV footage of Mr McKeever walking along Highbury Park. It is thought to be the last known journey he made

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

The police are offering £20,000 to help track down any information that will give them clues to the mystery behind his disappearance and said “no piece of information is too small”. Last year they conducted “extensive searches” for his body, leaving no stone unturned as they trawled for answers in canals and lakes along with open spaces but “have been unable to find any trace of him”.

Detective Inspector Laura Nelson said: “Frank has now been missing for a year and in all that time there has been no trace of him. He has not used his phone or his bank account, his disappearance is very out of character and this leads me to believe that this is now a murder investigation.

“The substantial reward being offered to find Frank shows our determination to find him and answer the questions about his disappearance. 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.”

Shortly after Mr ­Mc­Keever vanished, three people were arrested. In September a 30-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder; in October a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder; and in December a 45-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All three have subsequently been released “under investigation”.