The daughter of a missing British man has said she fears her father may be experiencing a “manic episode” after he disappeared in France.
Andrew Shirlaw, 65, from East Finchley, is believed to have vanished in France after checking out of his hotel on 23 September. He was staying at the Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection and had planned to travel south before eventually ending his trip in Toulouse.
Concerns have grown because his family have not heard from him since 22 September, which is out of character for Andrew.
Daughter speaks out about fears
Gabriella Payne, 33, has spoken out about her fears in the hope of finding her dad. She said: “My dad is a vulnerable person, he is currently experiencing a manic episode he needs to be found as soon as possible.
“The manic episodes means that he talks to strangers and can act odd and eccentrically out in public. He will walk up to strangers, strike up conversations and may even compliment them.”
Gabriella told NeedToKnow: "When someone disagrees with him he can become aggressive [but] he is not violent. - I am worried that someone may have retaliated to his behaviour because it can be very frustrating interacting with him when he is manic."
Description and background
Affectionately known as Andy, he is described as a big part of his local community in North London. His family have described him as around 6ft tall and of a slim build. He often wears glasses, a hearing aid and is known for wearing pattern shirts.
He speaks fluent French, with an English accent and is talkative. His family and friends who last saw him in Paris are also worried about his whereabouts.
Gabriella added: "He has a shake in his leg which is more prominent when he is manic. He can't focus on one thing for long and so his ideas constantly change.
"[But] he always maintains contact with his family. This is the first time he has not maintained contact."
Police and consulate informed
Gabriella said she has reported her father missing to the Met Police, French police and the British Consulate.
In a statement, she wrote: “Our dad, Andrew Shirlaw (Andy), aged 65, has been missing since Tuesday 22 September. His last known location was Paris, and we believe he was planning to travel south, eventually ending in Toulouse.
“We are extremely concerned because it is completely out of character for Andy not to maintain contact with us. Friends who saw him in Paris were also concerned about him before we lost contact.
“Andy is British but speaks fluent French with an English accent. He is very slim, around 6ft tall, often wears clear glasses and sometimes a hearing aid. He is very talkative, eccentric and will often strike up conversations with strangers.
Gabriella urges anyone who has spoken to him, travelled with him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact her on DM on her social media platform - @thenewgabriellapayne or contact the local police.
