POLICE investigating the disappearance of Donegal man Barry Doherty have found a body near to where he was last seen, The Irish Post has learned.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that officers received reports yesterday afternoon of a body in the water at Thornley Dam, Paisley.
Emergency services then attended the scene and the body, which remains unidentified at this stage, was recovered.
The location of the discovery has sparked fears among the family of Mr Doherty that the body could be his.
Thornley Dam is less than a mile from the 25-year-old’s home in Langcraigs Terrace, where he was last seen around 11pm on Monday, July 15.
“I really hadn't wanted to tell anyone until everything was confirmed - but there *was* a male body found,” Mr Doherty’s sister Cathie wrote on Facebook yesterday evening.
“It has not been identified, and will not be identified until tomorrow.
“It was found close to where Barry went missing, and while we're fearing the worst - we're still hoping for the best.”
Police began “extensive searches” for Mr Doherty towards the end of last week, circulating an image of his face around train stations, airports and ports across Scotland in case he had returned to visit family in Ireland.
Cathie Doherty then flew to Scotland earlier this week to join the search, distributing flyers throughout the Paisley area.
“This is very unlike him,” she told The Irish Post on Monday. “It is very out of character.
“Barry is a real charmer, very chatty. He could go into a pub on his own and leave it knowing five or six new friends. He did not have enemies. I don’t think he had the energy for that kind of thing. It is not who he is.”
Mr Doherty is described as being 6’1, with a slim build, short brown hair, hazel coloured eyes and an Irish accent. He was wearing a blue t-shirt with white writing on it, navy shorts and grey canvas shoes when he was last seen.
Anyone with information is asked to call Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900 or the police non-emergency number, 101.
See More: Barry Doherty, Donegal, Missing, Scotland
