PUZZLE PIECE 

Man, 41, arrested in hunt for missing man, 31, who vanished near his home three years ago

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows CCTV footage shows Ricky Harris walking along a sidewalk next to a small garden, Image 2 shows A man identified as Ricky Harris smiling at the camera, with a bar in the background

A SUSPECT has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a man who has been missing for almost three years.

Cops are now urgently searching a 150-acre site after Ricky Harris vanished near his home in Aberdare, South Wales.

A man identified as Ricky Harris smiling at the camera, with a bar in the background.
Ricky Harris vanished near his home in Aberdare, South Wales, in November 2023Credit: South Wales Police
 

CCTV footage shows Ricky Harris walking along a sidewalk next to a small garden.
He was last seen on CCTV after being dropped home by his aunt, NinaCredit: South Wales Police
Ricky was last seen on CCTV in Maes-Y-Deri at around 2.20pm on November 18, 2023.

Cops launched an investigation following his disappearance after being dropped home by his aunt, Nina Harris.

Divers, dogs and drone teams have been deployed during the “exhaustive” search over the past 31 months.

South Wales Police have now arrested a man on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial in connection with Ricky’s disappearance.

The 41-year-old, from nearby Mountain Ash, is also being held in police custody on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Officers are now desperately searching the Phurnacite site – a fuel recycling facility – in Abercwmboi village.

But the force warned their investigations at the 150-acre site could “take some time”.

Nina, 40, urged anyone with information on her nephew’s disappearance to come forward.

Ricky Harris, a missing man, sitting on the floor holding a bottle.
Divers, dogs and drone teams have been deployed during the ‘exhaustive’ search for RickyCredit: WNS
 

Ricky Harris, a missing man from Aberdare, South Wales.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful burialCredit: WNS
She told WalesOnline: “To be honest it’s devastating.

“Now we just want closure. We want Ricky home. He doesn’t deserve to be wherever he is.

“Anyone with information, please come forward.”

The 41-year-old suspect is being held in police custody as enquires remain ongoing.

South Wales Police said: “Ricky’s family has been updated and continue to be supported by South Wales Police.

“Ricky was last seen on CCTV at approximately 2.20pm on November 18, 2023, in Maes-y-Deri, Aberdare.

“Since then, the investigation to find Ricky has been exhaustive with officers continually reviewing new information.

“Officers are searching The Phurnacite site in Abercwmboi, we expect this will take some time to complete…

“But we are doing our best to limit any disruption to those using the public spaces.

“We ask anyone who may have seen or spoken to Ricky in the days or weeks leading up to his disappearance, or anyone with any other information regarding his whereabouts, to contact South Wales Police.

“Your insights could make all the difference in this ongoing investigation. Please contact us quoting occurrence number 2300394323.”

CRE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39407914/man-arrested-missing-man-vanished-home/