Missing John Murphy: Squad of detectives drafted in as CID take over case

Mystery surrounds the case of a devoted family man from Dennistoun who hasn't been seen since leaving for work six months ago.

The 52-year-old's distraught family have repeatedly made desperate pleas for him to come home.

Now detectives from Greater Glasgow CID have taken over the case from uniform colleagues and key witnesses will be re-interviewed.

John's 25-year-old son, also John, said: "CID have taken over the investigation.

"I was a bit worried when first told this as you more associate them with crime.

"But we have been assured this isn't the case.

"It means new eyes are looking over the case to see if anyone else has missed something.

"We will all be getting interviewed again."

Police confirmed CID detectives have taken over the probe - but stressed there was no evidence of criminality.

A source said: "There is nothing sinister in CID looking at the case.

"It is still a missing persons inquiry."

We previously told how cops have been left baffled by the case and are still working to establish a "motive" for John's disappearance.

Earlier this month, John's anguished wife, Patricia, his sister, Sharon McNab and son (above), as they pleaded for anyone with information to come forward.

Police said the case is"one of the biggest searches" undertaken by Police Scotland, with more than 100 potential sightings of John investigated.

And around 900 hours of searching have been carried out at more than 80 separate locations.

But there are still no firm leads on why John vanished.

He was last seen leaving for his work at a housing association on the morning of May 12.

His son added: "You think it'll never happen to you.

"My dad is a good man, a quiet guy, likes his football and has had his season ticket for 20 years.

"Our family is not the same without him and we just want him to come home."

Chief Inspector David Pettigrew previously told how John's relatives have been left "upset and distraught" by his disappearance.

He said: "They just want to know he is safe and well.

"He is close to his family and it's out-of-character for him not to be in contact with them.

"John isn't a gambler, or a big drinker and he has absolutely no links to any criminality.

"He goes to work, spends time with his family, and goes to the football.

"We have no motives for him leaving and while we have to consider everything, there is nothing to indicate why he would leave.

"We can't consider anything other than John is out there alive somewhere and we want to return him to his family.

"I would like to remind the public the search for John goes on. If they have any information please get in touch."

When he left home on May 12, John is believed to have been wearing a beige t-shirt, embroidered with Easthall Park's logo, a black jacket, black cargo trousers and black boots.

CCTV images showed him going in to a local shop in Duke Street at about 7am on May 12.

A few minutes later he emerged with a paper and appeared to be heading to get the bus to work.

His son has also hit out at claims his dad had "done a runner" and abandoned his family.

Email johnmurphymissing person@scotland.pnn.police.uk to report any sightings.

John Murphy's sister, wife and son at a recent press conference. 

HOW THE MYSTERY HAS UNFOLDED...

May 12: John was last seen leaving for his work at a housing association.

He entered a shop in Duke Street at about 7am.

A few minutes later he was seen heading to get the bus to work.

May 13: John is reported missing by his family.

May 15: His mother, Anna, makes a desperate plea for John to come home.

May 20: Police investigate sighting of John in Alexandra Park.

May 25: Images of John were shown on the big screen at Celtic Park as the team lifted the league trophy.

June 9: John's son - also John - appeals for help in finding his dad in the Evening Times.

June 20: John urges his dad to come home for Father's Day.

July 11: Police release CCTV images of man who they believed may be John.

However, officers later confirm the man is not John.

July 14: The Murphy family reveal they have plastered Glasgow with more than 25,000 posters in a bid to find the missing dad.

Meanwhile, his wife Trisha marked the couple's 20th wedding anniversary without her husband.

July 28: Police investigate sighting of John at Cathkin Braes country park.

However, there is no trace of him.

October 12: A new sighting of John was reported near Argyll Arcade in Glasgow city centre.

October 13: John hit out at claims his dad has "done a runner" and abandoned his family.

November 11: John's family tell the Evening Times they believe he is still alive as they mark six months without him.

November 12: Police reveal they have uncovered no evidence of criminality as John's son, wife and sister hold a press conference urging anyone with information to get in touch.

November 13: Police say they are still working to establish a "motive" for John's disappearance and there is no obvious reason why he would disappear.