Police reopen search for missing man who disappeared in Lanzarote two years ago

The family of a Celtic fan who disappeared in Lanzarote two years ago have said the police have reopened the case into his disappearance.

Gary Shearer, from Renfrew, has not been seen in the resort town of Puerto del Carmen in the Canary Islands since the night he arrived on March 16, 2023.

Investigations by Spanish authorities found the 53-year-old had been spotted sleeping in a doorway shortly before midnight that evening.

The last confirmed sighting of the Celtic fan was in the early hours of March 17, when he was walking with a man in his 60s or 70s in the direction of San Antonio.

The family of the 53-year-old have said they “have no idea where he could be,” but that they believe “someone knows something” about his disappearance.

Gary Shearer travelled to Lanzarote to celebrate St Patrick's Day. — Gary Shearer travelled to Lanzarote to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Michelle Shearer via Facebook

CCTV images were released of the pair in August, however Spanish authorities haven’t been able to trace the man, and Gary’s family were told the case into his disappearance was closed.

Two years on from his disappearance, Gary’s family have said officers confirmed they will be reopening the investigation.

They wrote on their Facebook page, Find Gary Shearer: “I will do a full post about the information from the police shortly, but basically, the police have ensured us that they are going to continue to investigate Gary’s case.

“I got more clarification on the CCTV timings and viewed the CCTV myself. Gary was last picked up on CCTV at 00:49. As I said, I will do a post with a clearer timeline of events soon.

“We go home tomorrow so we’ve been spending the last of our time here ensuring that there are plenty of the missing posters up.”

They have also issued a description of Gary in the hopes that anyone might have further information.

A poster issued by the family read: “Gary came over to Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote on the 16th of March 2023 – to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

“Gary was confirmed to be in Bar 67 shortly before going missing and then was last seen outside of the Spar shop with an unknown man.

“We have no further information on where he went or what happened to him after this. He is 5ft 3in in height and of slim build. Gary has black, greying hair & brown eyes.

“He has a distinctive “Gary” tattoo on his neck. Gary was last seen wearing a green and white Celtic FC shirt.”