The family of a missing man from Northern Ireland’s north coast said they are "at their wits end" as the search for him approaches its third week, the Belfast Telegraph has reported.

Dean Patton was last seen in his home town of Portrush on Tuesday, July 24 and has not been in touch with family or friends since.

Extensive searches of land and sea have taken place since Dean went missing but his family still have no idea what happened to the 24-year-old.

Dean’s uncle Gerry Patton told the Belfast Telegraph the family are “at their wits’ end” with worry.

“We just have no idea where Dean is,” he said.

“His mum and dad aren’t eating or sleeping. It’s a living nightmare.”

Dean’s mother Linda said it is not in her son’s nature to disappear without contacting his family.

“He hasn’t phoned anybody since either,” she said.

“It’s totally out of character. It’s just not like him.”

Mrs Patton last spoke to her son on Monday, July 23 before she headed off to work, and she said there was nothing untoward about the conversation.

Dean is described as being around 6ft tall with dark hair and a tanned complexion.

He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

Police have appealed for information regarding his whereabouts and have urged local residents to check sheds and outhouses at their properties.

(NE)