A HEARTFELT plea for new information about a vanished York man was today made by his distraught brother.

Ian Critchlow said he still believes there are people who were with his brother, Peter, in the Willow Chinese restaurant, Coney Street, York, on the night he went missing who have not contacted police.

Mr Critchlow said: "Dawn (Harrison, Peter's girlfriend) and I still believe there are a lot of people who were there with Peter that night that have not come forward and may know something that they believe to not be important. Even though it might not seem important it could be really useful to the police, so please come forward with any information at all."

Mr Critchlow said Peter's mobile phone was a blue Nokia 8210 with an Orange emblem on the bottom of it.

It was unlocked and Peter was using a O2 Sim card, Mr Critchlow said.

"If someone knows where the phone is now or has been offered it please get in touch with the police," he added.

Detective Sergeant Steve Smith said officers would this week search a section of the River Ouse, starting the search in the area behind the Willow.

He said searches of about a mile of the River Foss had proved fruitless.

DS Smith said the search was still a missing persons inquiry and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "No matter how insignificant it may seem, please ring in. Peter's girlfriend and family are beside themselves with anxiety over this."

Peter, of Markham Street, The Groves, was last seen in the Heworth Green area of York at about 3.30am on Saturday, November 15.

Anyone with information should phone the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:26 Wednesday, November 26, 2003