Family appeal for missing Birkenhead dad to come home

The family of missing Birkenhead man Brendan Taaffe have re-issued an emotional appeal for his whereabouts on his 41st birthday.

Brendan Taaffe was last seen at his sister's home in Larch Road, Birkenhead on January 25, 2010.
 
Police and his family are becoming increasingly concerned about his whereabouts, in particular his mum Ina and his three children Louis, Beth and Ellie.
 
His family has issued a plea for Brendan to get in touch.
 
His mum Ina said:

"Every day without Brendan around is painful but it is even worse on his birthday, Christmas and other family occasions.
 
"He is a very happy go lucky person, outgoing and funny. When Brendan walked into a room he would light it up.
 
"He is missing out on so much - his sister Diane is getting married later this year and we would all love him to be there.
 
Brendan's 19-year-old son Louis said:
 
"If he is out there and anybody knows where he is please contact us and let us know he is OK. It doesn't have to be him. It would be nice if it was and even better to see him but we just want to hear some news of him.
 
"He is like one of my mates - we had a really good father-son relationship.
 
"I can't describe how I felt when he first left. One day he was there and the next he wasn't. It was very difficult. I have been through counselling but as time has gone on I've learned to cope.
 
 "One day hopefully he will come home and that's when we will all be back as a family. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him and what he's doing.
 
"If he is scared to come back there's no need to be. The family has grown a lot closer since he left and we all just want him back.
 
"If I could speak to him I would say get in touch whenever you can. I miss him like mad and want him to come home or at least know he's OK."
 
In the week of Brendan's birthday officers will be delivering leaflets in Birkenhead appealing to anyone with any information about Brendon's whereabouts to come forward.
 
Anyone with any information about Brendan's whereabouts, or think they may have seen him, is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 0272, or Crimestoppers, anonymously. on 0800 555 111.
 
Alternatively, call the Missing Person's Helpline on 0500 700 700.