The grandfather of a young man who vanished on New Year’s Day has issued a heartbreaking plea in the hope of bringing him home safely.

Taylor Stewart, 21, was last seen in the Church Heights area of Cookstown, County Tyrone at around 5.30am on January 1.

Taylor’s grandfather Mitchell Crooks has appealed to his grandson to return to his family in a statement shared by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Mr Crooks spoke of the danger posed to Taylor by the cold weather currently sweeping the UK and said that the young man had ‘promised to help’ with some car trouble he was having.

‘We just want Taylor to come home. The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days,’ Mr Crooks said.

‘Please Taylor, just let us know that you are safe, you promised to help me with a few issues with my car so I need you home to help, please get in contact.’

Taylor is described as approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with dark hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green/brown boots.

Police have called for anyone who may have seen the missing young man to come forward and implored anyone with an outbuilding, garage or shed to check their premises, in case he made his way inside to seek shelter from the cold.

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Missing 21-year-old Taylor Stewart (pictured) was last seen in the Church Heights area of Cookstown, Northern Ireland at around 5.30am on January 1

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On Friday police released CCTV footage of Taylor Stewart in an attempt to help locate the County Tyrone native

On Friday police released CCTV footage of Taylor in an attempt to help locate the County Tyrone native.

K9 Search and Rescue NI have been using a canine team to scan the local area for signs of the 21-year-old.

A spokesperson said on Sunday: ‘Searches are ongoing across a number of areas, and every effort is being made to help bring Taylor home.

‘We are once again appealing to local residents to check any outbuildings, sheds, garages, or unused properties on their land.

‘Even the smallest piece of information could be significant. If you notice anything unusual or have any information that may assist, please report it to the police as soon as possible.’

The K9 team was supplemented on Sunday by Lough Neagh Search and Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue Team, who were brought in to assist ‘with searches across local waterways and areas of challenging, uneven terrain’.

Superintendent Peter Stevenson, of the PSNI, said: ‘We want to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far, and we hope Taylor hears this appeal.

‘We have been searching for him since Thursday and the community will have seen an extensive police presence throughout the town.

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Members of a canine team scouring the local area for signs of Taylor’s whereabouts

‘We are working hard alongside our voluntary partners from Community Rescue Service, Search & Rescue Dog Association Ireland North and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue, with enquiries coordinated by a Police Search Advisor (POLSA).’

Superintendent Stevenson added: ‘We know that a young man being missing in such cold conditions is causing real concern amongst local people, and we are really grateful that so many people want to help us.

‘This is a complex search, covering a lot of ground. We do not want the public to put themselves or others at risk, particularly when snow and ice are posing safety issues to even our experienced teams.

‘Please, check in with local officers for advice before you commence any search of your own.

‘We continue to appeal to anyone who may have been out and about in the area at the time Taylor was last seen, or who may have seen him since, to make contact with us. Even a seemingly insignificant piece of information could help.

‘Anyone with information should contact police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency. The reference number to quote is 1108 of 01/01/26.’

You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/