GARDAI have confirmed they wanted to interview the man who disappeared from Letterkenny nine days ago as part of an investigation before he vanished.
However, senior garda sources remained tight lipped about the nature of that investigation when asked for information yesterday. Garda Inspector Pat O'Donnell would not be drawn on the matter.
"I wouldn't say he was being investigated - that would be unfair. It would be more accurate to say that we wanted to talk to him as part of our inquiries as part of an investigation," he said.
Michael Bruce (38) a native of Glasgow and a married man with two daughters who resided in the Killybegs area was last seen leaving the Letterkenny Hospital campus at 10.35 pm on Monday January 7. Inspector O'Donnell would not discuss the nature of this investigation or what part, if any, Mr Bruce was involved. The development is the latest twist in the painstaking search for Mr Bruce. Inspector O'Donnell confirmed yesterday it now involved Interpol and Europol.
Gardai are now also working on the possibility he may have left the country, while searches still continue of the River Swilly in Letterkenny.
"There is an alleged sighting of Mr Bruce in Killybegs the day after he disappeared. We're waiting to get a statement from the person who alleges he spoke to Mr Bruce," Inspector O'Donnell.
Gardai are now also working on the possibility that Mr Bruce may have fled the country by boat from Killybegs to Europe.
However, Inspector O'Donnell confirmed a search was due to take place yesterday of the River Swilly. Divers will comb a stretch of water from the Oldtown Bridge to the Swilly estuary.
Inspector O'Donnell said the man's distraught family were becoming deeply concerned for his well being and safety as each day passes. Gardai are following up reported sightings in Killybegs and Dublin. Michael Bruce is 5ft 7 inches tall and is of medium to lean build. He has dark hair and was clean shaven when last seen. He left the hospital wearing blue jeans, white runners, and a dark hoodie type top with bright orange lining.
Up to 50 people including gardai, civilians, members of the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team and the Donegal Civil Defence were involved in the early stages of the search.
Inspector O'Donnell yesterday again appealed to taxi drivers, private and public transport operators or anyone who may have given Mr Bruce a lift out of the town to assist with their investigation. Gardai are also looking into the possibility he may have travelled across the border or gone abroad.
Inspector O'Donnell said any 'reported sightings' were being followed up as part of a air, river and ground search.
Gardai have set up a special incident room at Letterkenny Garda Station and can be contacted at 074-91-67175.
For more see the Donegal News online pdf editions
