A garda sub-aqua team yesterday joined the search for a Waterford man whose disappearance may be linked to the discovery of blood stains in woodland near the city last week.
Gardai are becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of Mr Martin Nolan (34), of Newtown, Tramore, who has been missing since Wednesday, November 10th.
It is feared Mr Nolan, who was due to appear at Waterford Circuit Court on Tuesday to face a charge of possessing cannabis and ecstasy for sale or supply, may have been abducted and subjected to violence.
The sub-aqua unit was called in yesterday after the discovery of two pairs of jeans on a beach at Woodstown, several miles from Ballygarron Wood where blood stains were discovered. Gardai believe yesterday's find is not necessarily significant, but Supt Michael McGarry said every possible lead was being followed to try to establish Mr Nolan's whereabouts.
While initial tests confirmed the blood found at Ballygarron Wood as human, forensic and DNA tests were still being carried out last night in the hope of establishing the identity of the person from whom it came. A search of the wood was also continuing yesterday.
Supt McGarry said a link between the find and Mr Nolan's disappearance could not be confirmed, but the situation did not look very good. "We are keeping an open mind but we are extremely concerned for Martin Nolan, as are his parents and friends and we would appeal for anyone with any information, or indeed to Martin himself if he's out there, to come forward."
Mr Nolan is single and has two children. He worked with his father, John, in a garage in Waterford city.
When last seen at St Herblain Park in the city at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday of last week, he was wearing black combat trousers and a navy or black fleece top with a hood. He is six ft in height, of medium build and has brown tight-cropped hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Garda incident room in Waterford, at 051305372 or the Garda confidential line at 1800 666 111.
