Mystery deepens over disappearance of Jack O’Sullivan after new report dismisses leading theory

A leading expert on Bristol’s waterways has cast doubt on a leading police theory in the two-and-a-half-year investigation into the disappearance of Jack O’Sullivan.

For the past year, former harbour master Mike Ferguson has thoroughly reviewed the police’s long-held suspicion that Jack, then 22, fell into the River Avon after walking home from a night out with friends on 2 March 2024.

Since Jack disappeared, much of the investigation has centred on that possibility, but according to Mr Ferguson, the evidence says that conclusion is not possible.

In a detailed and independent report, Mr Ferguson evaluated tidal information and water temperatures of the night he went missing, as well as the extensive police search of the river that took place after Jack disappeared.

Mr Ferguson, who has previously lent his expertise to police on missing person investigations, concluded it would have been “remarkable” if Jack wasn’t found during the search.

If Jack had fallen in, his body would have been caught in one of the catchment points where other bodies have previously been found, he added.

Police suspected he may have fallen into the river, as one of the last sightings of him on CCTV was near the water in the area of Brunel Lock Road and Brunel Way.

“The search that the police did was absolutely incredible,” Mr Ferguson said. “It was accurate; they searched at the right times in the right places. The assistant chief constable at the time described it as the biggest water search ever undertaken; I would agree with that.

“They were using masses of resources, and they would have found him.”

The Independent set out last November to raise the vital funds needed to spread awareness of children who have gone missing and create SafeCall, a free and confidential support service designed to keep young people safe.

Thanks to the support of our readers and the backing of former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, former footballer Sir David Beckham, the mother of missing Madeleine, Kate McCann, and many others, the helpline was launched in January after an incredible £165,000 was raised.

Jack’s mother, Catherine, believes Mr Ferguson’s findings give fresh hope over her son’s case, but claims the report was “totally dismissed” by police when she brought it forward to them.

“This is evidence, and if nothing else, [police] should be focusing their minds on something else [that could have happened],” she told The Independent.

Police said the information had been fed into its enquiries.

Ms O’Sullivan remains determined to find out what happened to her son, and feels this could be key. She “doesn’t doubt that for a minute” that she could have answers if other theories had been more thoroughly investigated.

“We’re living in a horrific day-to-day life because we have no idea what has happened,” she added.

She has always been sceptical about the theory that Jack fell into the water, and believes he got into a car instead.

“I feel that Jack’s got into a vehicle… We know that’s what his intention was because we see him approach a vehicle,” Ms O’Sullivan said. “We see him trying to get a taxi. His last message said he was getting a taxi.”

Ms O’Sullivan said she feels let down by Avon and Somerset Police’s response to the disappearance of her son, which is now being reviewed by the College of Policing.

“We were told lessons would be learned, and, as I said to them, I’m really not interested in Jack being a lesson,” she said.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “We wholeheartedly recognise the devastating impact Jack’s disappearance continues to have on his loved ones.

“We know how difficult it is for his family that, despite extensive enquiries, we’ve not yet been able to find him, or provide the conclusive answers they so desperately need.

“From the outset we’ve always had a shared aim of finding Jack and this intention has been at the heart of every action we’ve taken and decision we’ve made.

“Alongside our ongoing investigation, we’ve also drawn on specialist expertise and independent agencies to review, test and assure our work, ensuring that any further opportunities are fully explored. At every stage we’ve been led by the evidence and have pursued the relevant lines of enquiry.”

A spokesperson from the Missing People charity said: “Our hearts are with Catherine and her family. No family should have to live with the uncertainty of not knowing what has happened to someone they love. The not knowing can be one of the most painful and enduring experiences imaginable.

“At Missing People, we will continue to stand alongside Catherine and her family for as long as they need us. Whether that’s providing emotional support, helping keep Jack’s story in the public eye, or simply being there to listen, we remain committed to helping them find the answers they deserve.

“If anyone has any information about Jack, no matter how small it may seem, or believes they may have seen him, we urge them to contact Missing People on 116 000 or visit the web to share a sighting.”

Please donate now to The Independent and Missing People’s SafeCall campaign, which has raised £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support.

For advice, support and options if you or a child you love goes missing, contact safecall.org.uk

The O’Sullivan family has set up a website, offering a £100,000 reward for anyone who has information on his disappearance.