Police searching for missing Souvik Pal to make appeal to Manchester United fans at Old Trafford (From Messenger Newspapers)

Police searching for missing Indian student, Souvik Pal, to make appeal to Manchester United fans at Old Trafford

10:08am Friday 11th January 2013 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

THE appeal to trace missing Indian student, Souvik Pal, will extend to football fans at Old Trafford this weekend.

Souvik, 18, was last seen at the Warehouse Project, Trafford Wharf Road, at around 11pm on New Year’s Eve and as the two venues are so close, police are hoping someone in the crowd may have some useful information.

The Manchester Metropolitan University student has a part time job at Manchester United serving refreshments and had in fact worked at the game against West Bromwich Albion on December 29.

The club has arranged for an appeal from Greater Manchester Police to be shown on pitch-side digital advertising hoardings prior to their game against Liverpool on Sunday.

The stadium announcer will also make reference to the appeal before the match.

Det Ch Insp Colin Larkin said: "The police and the family of Souvik Pal are grateful to Manchester United for their support for this appeal.

"Souvik was last seen near the Warehouse Project, which is not far from Old Trafford.

"We hope that there could be someone among the crowd who may have some information that could help us.

"While our intensive enquiries are ongoing, including looking through hours of CCTV, there has sadly been little response from our appeals, so we urge anyone who may have information on his whereabouts to call us.

"We are continuing to offer support to Souvik’s father here, and I am grateful to the Indian authorities, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Warehouse Project for their support.

"However, this is very difficult time for everyone involved, and our concern is only increasing the longer we don’t find Souvik."

Souvik is Asian, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, he has a scar on the right side of his forehead and speaks with an Indian accent.

When last seen he was wearing a pale denim long sleeve shirt with a collar, grey chino trousers and navy blue leather boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4223 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.