A worried mother and bride-to-be has spent the morning of her wedding day searching the streets of Dublin for her son who has been missing for nearly a week.
Helbijs Lejins, who is 27-years-old and originally from Latvia, has been missing from his Portlaoise home since Thursday 16 but was last spotted in the city centre at the start of this week.
Helbijs' mother, Evita Dica, who ties the knot on Wednesday to Dave Kinsella, told Dublin Live she has spent the build-up of what should have been the happiest time of her life searching for her "best friend".
She said: "He's never done anything like this before. He is a nice, kind man but I think he may be feeling unwell.
"Today (22 January) is my wedding day but I have been in Dublin since last night. It is so hard to sleep thinking he is out there somewhere.
"He has been spotted on Connolly Street and Abbey Street and could possibly be in Drimnagh because he has lived there before.
"I saw CCTV cameras from the Londis shop on Abbey Street where he was last seen and it was definitely him.
"We really can’t thank everyone enough for all their support and help so far. It is helping us get through this difficult time knowing how much people care. Hopefully he will get in touch soon and come home."
The former Crumlin College student is described as being approximately 6"1 in height with a slim build, blue/grey eyes and brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black tracksuit pants, black/grey runners and carrying a grey backpack.
Anyone who may have seen Helbijs or has information on his whereabouts are asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 -8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
