The family of missing Newbridge man Kyle Vaughan have made a heartfelt appeal for information surrounding his disappearance.
Detectives, who are treating the investigation as a murder inquiry, have called in specialist search officers, dog units and the police helicopter to trace the 24-year-old who was last seen on December 30, 2012.
In a statement, issued through Gwent police, Mr Vaughan’s father Alan Vaughan and mother Mary Lucas said their lives had been put on hold.
They said: “We, the parents of Kyle ‘Jabbers’ Vaughan, would like to appeal for information about the disappearance of our son.
“Our lives have been on hold since December 30 and every day since then we have lived in hope that he will walk through the door. It’s been a painstaking time for us while we wait on news that our boy is safe.
“For Kyle to go missing is totally out of character. He would always be in contact with his mother every day and now we are heartbroken.
“We are grateful to Gwent Police for their help and support during this difficult time and we have faith that they will resolve this nightmare for us.
“The response from the public has been overwhelming and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have volunteered their time to help us search for Kyle in Newbridge and the surrounding areas.
“We feel there are people out there who could hold information that is vital to this inquiry. It’s also possible that there are people who know what’s happened to Kyle but are too scared to come forward.
“We would ask those people to please help us to find our son, who is a family-orientated, larger than life, fun-loving young man who is deeply missed by his large family and loyal friends.”
Mr Vaughan’s brother Karl Sheahan said: “We feel numb and are sick with worry about what might have happened to him.
“We were in total shock when we were told that our son and brother, was feared dead.
“It’s been an unbearable strain on us as a family and we would urge anyone who can help end this nightmare to come forward.”
Police have said the last believed sighting of Mr Vaughan was on the A467 between Risca and Crosskeys, some time between 11pm and 11.45pm on December 30, 2012. It is believed he was wearing a dark coloured beanie hat, a dark coloured t-shirt, three-quarter length denim shorts, white trainers, and a gold chain.
On the same night at approximately 11.45pm, officers found Mr Vaughan’s car – a silver Peugeot 306 – which had been involved in a collision.
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Peter Jones said: “We want to reassure people that we are making every effort to locate Kyle and to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
“Family liaison officers are continuing to provide Kyle’s family with support at this very difficult and upsetting time.
“I’m urging anyone who has any information about Kyle’s disappearance, no matter how unimportant it may seem, to contact Gwent Police on 101. Information can also be passed on with complete anonymity via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”