The family of an Angus man missing in Munich have launched a petition calling on German police to search a river.
They believe Gareth Hicks, originally from Forfar, is alive but have asked the authorities to dredge the river Isar to rule out the possibility of his body being there.
It is now three weeks since the 32-year-old disappeared, after being with friends at Blitz Nightclub on February 22 before he left alone unexpectedly.
He had recently moved to Munich from Forfar, where he worked as a welfare rights advocate for Angus Council.
Gareth’s brother, Stuart Hicks, wants Polizei Bayern DE (Munich police) to search the river but claims they will not do so until he has been missing for eight weeks.
He said the police would rather wait to see if a body floats to the surface.
In his petition, he said: “This is a petition to have the river Isar searched by the police in Munich, who would rather wait eight weeks as Gareth Hicks’ body could potentially float to the surface on its own.
“We don’t believe he is in there and would like this ruled out as soon as possible.
“Please sign our petition to help put pressure on the Munich police to act.
“Help bring my brother home for Mother’s Day.”
Gareth has not been seen or heard from since he posted a picture on Facebook captioned “modern slave” in the early hours of the morning after he disappeared.
He then commented on the post saying: “Get out of jail free”.
The family think the picture might have been taken in a bus station.
Gareth is 6ft 2ins tall and of medium build.
He has short, dark, wavy hair and dark brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing a maroon, crew-neck jumper.
The family has been working with the Lucie Blackman Trust, a charity which helps British nationals in crisis overseas.
Matt Searle, chief executive of the trust, said the family hopes Gareth’s case will be treated with higher priority.
“The family have become increasingly frustrated at what they see as a lack of activity from the German authorities,” he said.
“They specifically want the river searched and cannot understand why this hasn’t been carried out.
“The Lucie Blackman Trust is continuing to appeal for information and support in Munich and is advising the family.
“It is hoped that the case will be escalated to a higher risk profile given the amount of time Gareth has been missing and that this will bring renewed and more comprehensive activity from the authorities in Munich.”
Polizei Bayern DE did not respond to a request for comment.
Anyone with information about Gareth can contact the Lucie Blackman Trust at ops@lbtrust.org, WhatsApp on 07545 826407 or phone 01983 718802.
