‘Please Taylor, just let us know you are safe’: Family appeal as search continues
- Love Ballymena
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Missing man: Taylor Stewart (21) from Cookstown
Police have issued a renewed appeal to help locate missing Cookstown man Taylor Stewart, as officers share a direct and emotional message from his grandfather amid ongoing search efforts.
Taylor, aged 21, was last seen in the Church Heights area of Cookstown at around 5.30am on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1st January. Since then, police have been carrying out extensive searches across the town, supported by specialist teams and voluntary rescue organisations.
Superintendent Peter Stevenson said officers remain grateful for the public response so far and hope Taylor himself hears the appeal.
“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.
“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).”
As the search continues in challenging winter conditions, Taylor’s family have spoken of their growing concern for his safety. His grandfather, Mitchell Crooks, issued a deeply personal plea, urging his grandson to make contact.
“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. 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.”
Police have acknowledged the anxiety felt by the local community, particularly given the cold weather and hazardous conditions affecting the search area.
Superintendent Stevenson continued:
“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.”
Officers are urging anyone who may have been in the area when Taylor was last seen, or who may have seen him since, to come forward — stressing that even minor details could prove crucial.
“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.”
Taylor is described as approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long-sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green/brown boots.
Police are also asking householders to check any potential places of shelter.
“We continue to ask that anyone with an outbuilding, garage or shed to check their premises, to ensure that Taylor has not made his way inside to seek shelter.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting reference number 1108 of 01/01/26.
Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at:
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: