An MSP helping the heartbroken family of a Celtic fan who vanished in Lanzarote has described the lack of updates from Spanish police as "massively concerning",
Gary Watson Shearer, 53, was last seen on March 16 after CCTV footage captured him lying 'unconscious' in the doorway of Bar 67 pub in the Puerto Del Carmen resort. He had travelled to the island alone for St Patrick's Day.
The Renfrew man's family has previously hit out at Spanish police over their probe into his disappearance and his sister Nikki Shearer says his loved ones are now "fearing the worst" .
The 51-tear-old told the Daily Record: "We don't hear much from the Spanish police. When we contact them they just tell us that they are investigating the matter.
"But as far as we are aware, they haven't even checked the data records from his mobile phone. All they have done is email my dad to say there looks like no sign of criminal activity.
"It is extremely hard for us all just sitting waiting with no news and we are beginning to fear the worst. Not knowing is killing us and we can't even start to grieve because we don't know what has happened."
Local MSP Gavin Newlands has now raised the matter in the House of Commons and Leader of the House, Penny Mourdant, promised to raise their case with the Foreign Office.
Mr Newlands said: "The lack of updates and information on the investigation in Lanzarote is massively concerning for the family. Gary’s disappearance has left his family devastated as they search for answers.
I will continue to work with the Foreign Office to make sure the family are kept updated about what is happening in Lanzarote to trace Gary. The length of time he has been missing is extremely concerning and the longer things go on without news the more troubling his disappearance is."
Gary - who suffers from epilepsy and type-2 diabetes - walks with a distinctive limp and was wearing a green and white Celtic football top, white shorts and white trainers when he went missing. He is described as being just over 5ft 2 with black/grey hair. He was last seen in the company of a group of six people inside Bar 67 before leaving.
Nikki added that her dad, who previously travelled to Lanzarote to search for Gary, is returning to the island soon to put up leaflets in local pubs. She continued: "Gary is loved and missed by so many people. We just want to know he is alright."
A police spokesperson on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria said: “We are seeking the public’s help in discovering the whereabouts of 53-year-old Gary James Watson. We urge anyone with any piece of information they think could be of interest to us and may help us find Gary to contact us.”
Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary Watson Shearer’s disappearance and my thoughts are with his family and friends as they search for answers.”
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