New police plea to trace Hartlepool man who has been missing for a year

Hartlepool street entertainer Michael Scully has been missing for a year. | Other 3rd Party

Police have renewed pleas for help in tracing a street entertainer on the eve of the first anniversary since he vanished.

Michael Scully, who lived in the Jesmond Road area of Hartlepool, was last seen in town on January 4, 2019.

His bank account has not been touched and his family have no idea why he has disappeared.

Michael’s distraught mother, Susan Scully, who last saw him on December 29, 2018, has refused to give up hope that her son is still alive and last week urged him to contact friends or family to let them know he is safe.

Susan Scully is refusing to give up hope that son Michael, last seen on January 4, 2019, is still alive. | JPIMedia

Now Cleveland Police have renewed their appeal for information about the 38-year-old’s whereabouts.

Detective Inspector Ian White said: “I cannot imagine the torment Michael’s family has been going through for the last year.

“Especially with Michael’s birthday early in December, then Christmas and New Year, to have heard nothing must have been agonising for them and my thoughts remain with them.

“We are concerned for Michael's welfare and this is very much a live inquiry. We have received information and reported sightings but sadly these have not come to anything concrete which we can act upon.

Michael Scully was last seen in Hartlepool on January 4, 2019. | Other 3rd Party

“I would urge anyone who has any information, however insignificant they believe it to be, to come forward and speak to police by phoning 101.”

Michael attended St William’s Primary School, in Trimdon Village, and English Martyrs School and Sixth College, in Hartlepool, before briefly studying at university in Manchester.

He later became a relief pub manager before adopting an “alternative lifestyle” around a decade ago by busking, juggling and performing with fire.

He is known to travel to Manchester and London and is described as white, around 5ft 8in-tall and of medium build.

Michael has brown eyes and brown hair, which is often collar length, sometimes has a beard, often wears a tweed coat and is likely to be wearing trainers.

He may also be clean shaven.

Mrs Scully, 64, of Trimdon Station, who is employed as a works coach at Hartlepool Jobcentre Plus, last week said: “It has left a big hole in our lives.”

Anyone who can help should call Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 002784.