THE SEARCH for missing Irishman Conor Synnott was stepped up in Brussels at the weekend as family and friends put up posters around the city.
Mr Synnott (33), Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, has been missing in the Belgian capital for nine days. Dozens of Irish people living in Brussels joined his family in a search of the city on Saturday and yesterday.
His parents, Pat and Olive Synnott, have been in Brussels since last Monday while other family members arrived from Ireland and Spain during the week.
Mr Synnott's bank records show that he emptied his account - which did not contain a large sum of money - at 4.45am on Saturday, February 23rd. The ATM machine he used is on Rue Haute in the Jeu de Balles area of Brussels. His family and friends have been unable to piece together his movements before the cash withdrawal.
It appears that he then returned to the accommodation he shared with his brother Brian. His jacket containing his bank card was left in his room. His passport and identity card were also left behind.
Brian Synnott said his brother had emptied out his bank account and there was an urgency about trying to contact him as he had missed a medical appointment.
Brian was away for the weekend so his brother's absence was not noted until Sunday evening when the alarm was raised.
The Belgian Federal Police has launched an appeal for help in its search for the Mr Synnott and has informed Interpol. Posters have also been put up in parts of the Netherlands, as he had expressed an interest in visiting the country.
Mr Synnott began working for the Bank of New York after he moved to Brussels last August. He had returned from Sydney, Australia, in May and spent a few months at home before moving to Belgium.
Brian Synnott said the family were keeping their hopes up that his brother would be found alive and well. He praised the role of the Belgian police in their investigation and said they could not have done more to help the search.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is also liaising with the family. A spokeswoman said the department was providing consular assistance. "It is urgent that updates are sent directly to the Brussels authorities who are co-ordinating the search," she said.
Mr Synnott is 168cm tall, of medium build with brown hair and blue eyes. When last seen he was wearing a brown corduroy jacket and blue jeans. His family have set up a webpage (www.synnott.info) which gives contact details and daily updates.
In a separate missing person alert, the family of James O'Connell (20), Park Avenue, Castleknock, Dublin, have renewed their appeal for information about his disappearance.
Mr O'Connell was last seen on Tuesday, February 26th, at Pembroke Street Upper, Dublin, at 6.15pm. He is 173cm tall, of medium/slight build with brown hair and blue eyes. Any person with information is asked to contact Harcourt Terrace Garda station on 01-666 9500 or the family on 086-399 8051.