The family of missing Aberdare man Ricky Harris are marking his 34th birthday as police continue their search for answers almost three years after he disappeared. Ricky was last seen on CCTV at around 2.20pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the Maes-y-Deri area of Aberdare.
Investigation and searches continue
His whereabouts have remained unknown despite an extensive investigation and searches involving specialist police teams, divers, dog units, helicopters and drones. Officers have also been searching the former Phurnacite site at Abercwmboi, a large former smokeless fuel briquetting plant covering around 150 acres. The search is expected to take some time.
The latest development came in June when a 41-year-old man from Mountain Ash was arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice in connection with Ricky's disappearance. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police commitment to uncovering the truth
Detective chief inspector Danielle Thorne said the investigation remained active and that officers were determined to establish what happened to Ricky and pledged that "no stone is left unturned". "South Wales Police is deeply committed to uncovering the truth behind Ricky's disappearance," she said. "Our dedicated team is actively pursuing a thorough and detailed investigation, driven by the hope of bringing Ricky back to his loved ones."
She said extensive resources had been used since Ricky went missing, including specialist search officers, dive teams, dog scent units, the police helicopter and drone teams. Officers have searched a number of locations, including rivers, waterways and areas of dense vegetation, while continuing to examine information provided by members of the public.
Renewed appeal on his birthday
"Every sighting and piece of information from the public is treated with the utmost seriousness," DCI Thorne said. "We are continually reviewing new leads, ensuring that no stone is left unturned."
The force said they have remained in contact with Ricky's family throughout the investigation and said they had been kept informed of developments. Ricky was 31 when he disappeared. At the time, he was known to have links to Aberdare, Pontypridd and Tredegar, and was known to walk the route locally known as the Dram Road.
On his birthday, detectives have renewed their appeal for anyone who may have information about his disappearance to come forward. DCI Thorne said: "We are unwavering in our commitment to locate Ricky, and we are in constant communication with his family, keeping them updated on every development in our search." Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police, quoting occurrence number 2300394323.
