Reports that missing DCU student Patrick Halpin had been 'found safe and well' in London, have been confirmed as a 'false alarm'.
Patrick's sister Regina had taken to social media today, to say that the 18-year-old had been found 'safe and well', but the search now continues.
She posted the following status to Facebook earlier today:
“Just want to let you all know, Patrick has been found safe and well. Thank you especially to DCU Drama, Lorna Rachel and Catherine, DCU Students Union, everyone in the London area, the police and guards, friends and family for all your support over the 2 days."
The teenager was last seen at The Zoo nightclub in London on Tuesday night and had left the venue to go to Burger King but did not return to
meet his friends.
Patrick's father and sister Regina have travelled to London to help with the search and Regina has since posted another Facebook update:
"Hi everyone, unfortunately there was a mix-up with information, Patrick is still missing please continue to share and retweet his picture, and keep him in your prayers."
According to
The Irish Times, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a mistake has been made and the student from Loughrea, Co. Galway is still missing.
Speaking to
Independent.ie, Regina explained that the error was "no one's fault".
"It's because his flight was on a block booking with DCU that there was a false communication," she said.
"The airport thought that he'd checked in and there was a phone call made to the police, and they went on to get him, only to find that he wasn't there."
"It's cruel. You're on cloud nine and now you're in hell."
