A DESPERATE family are hoping a reported sighting of their dad will end their three-month nightmare.

John Murphy, 52, was "spotted" at a country park weeks after he vanished on his way to work.

The Evening Times revealed earlier this week how a man claimed he saw the father-of-five, from Dennistoun, leaving Cathkin Braes two weeks ago.

His son, also John, told how the new sighting could be the "breakthrough" his family have been waiting for.

The 25-year-old said: "The Cathkin Braes sighting has cause a lot of excitement.

"It's amazing seeing how many people are desperately hoping it's my dad.

"Until we have any CCTV, or confirmation of DNA, it is still just a possible sighting.

"But I feel hopeful this could be the break we need."

Since Mr Murphy vanished, a massive search, aided by dozens of locals, has failed to find any trace of him.

Police have launched a search of the country park in Castlemilk and the force helicopter has been drafted in.

John added: "Police have been out there searching on dirt bikes, they had a helicopter circling the park, and they are trying to get CCTV footage.

"His face is thinner than the photos we have released and he has facial growth as well.

"But this guy is completely convinced it was my dad."

The family have plastered Glasgow with more than 25,000 posters, and launched a massive social media campaign, in a bid to find their missing dad.

Mr Murphy went missing on May 12.

He was last seen by his family at their home in Craigpark Drive before he went to bed the night before.

He is believed to have left his home and was thought to be heading to work at Easthall Park Housing Cooperative.

However, he never arrived.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.