Police step up hunt for missing mother last seen at nightclub

THE search for a mother of three who disappeared after she was spotted with a man outside a nightclub a week ago, was stepped up yesterday as detectives released CCTV footage of the last time she was seen.

Mary McLaren, 34, from Dundee, has not been seen since the early hours of Thursday 25 February, after a night out at Fat Sam's nightclub in the city with her sister Michelle.

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said yesterday that the force was becoming "increasingly concerned" for the missing woman.

She explained: "The last confirmed sighting of Mary was with a man in Marketgait East at around 3am on Thursday. It is understood that she met this man while in Fat Sam's nightclub.

"Officers working on the inquiry have released CCTV images of Mrs McLaren and the man in a bid to identify him and encourage members of the public to come forward with information."

Chief Inspector Suzi Mertes, who is heading the investigation, said: "'It is vital that we identify the man seen walking with Mary as he may have important information about her whereabouts. He was seen walking with Mary in North Lindsay Street, Bell Street and Marketgait North.

"He is described as being between 30 and 45 years old, around 5ft 7 in height, of slim build, with fair hair, and he had a moustache. He was wearing a grey T-shirt, a dark-coloured jacket with white reflective piping on the back, and dark-coloured trousers."

She added: "'Mary's family are understandably worried and upset by her disappearance."

In an emotional appeal for information, Mrs McLaren's mother, Margaret McIntosh, said: "We can't think about anything else and we haven't slept or eaten. Our minds are all over the place. Mary, please come home, we are all devastated. We miss you very much and we love you. You're breaking our hearts."

When last seen Mrs McLaren was wearing a black-and-white dress, black leggings, a white duffel coat and flat black shoes. She was also carrying a black handbag and an inflatable pink toy. She is described as 5ft 2ins tall, with long brown hair, blue eyes and walks with a limp.

Last night, one week on from Mrs McLaren's disappearance, police officers were out in force in Dundee's city centre, questioning late-night revellers and pub goers, in the search for information.

Said the force spokeswoman: "Hundreds of posters have already been distributed across pubs, shops, fast-food outlets and restaurants across the city centre by members of the Community Task Force.

"Door to door enquiries have been carried out in King Street, the area where Mary was last seen. Officers have spoken to Mary's friends and family and canvassed the Rowantree Crescent neighbourhood where she lived. Search activity has also taken place in both Rowantree Crescent and in King Street."