Missing Mark Gourley’s disappearance has now turned into a murder inquiry, say PSNI

DETECTIVES have launched a murder probe over the disappearance of a 36-year-old missing man.

Mark Gourley, from the Castlemara estate in Carrickfergus, was reported missing four years ago.

The PSNI’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) said he was last seen in the Glengormley area.

At the time of his disappearance he was described as “vulnerable”.

Mark was last seen in that vicinity around 9.30am on the morning of Saturday, March 7 2009.

He has had no contact with friends or family since then and police have been concerned for his safety.

Mark, who is considered by police to be vulnerable, is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, of medium build, with fair cropped hair.

His right eyebrow is pierced, and he has tattoos on his left shoulder and left forearm, and a tattoo on his right arm bearing his Christian name.

Mark was last seen wearing a black waterproof jacket with a grey design on the shoulders, black Umbro tracksuit bottoms, black leather trainers and a blue Rangers Football Club woollen hat.

In a statement on Monday night, the PSNI said: “As a result of new evidence, police have launched a murder investigation.”