A Cork man suffering from mental health problems who disappeared after flying to London more than three weeks ago has been found safe and well, his family confirmed today.
A massive manhunt was sparked after Ronan Baxter left his father's home in Cork, where he has lived for the last 20 years, and took a flight to Heathrow Airport.
A statement issued by Ciarán Baxter, brother of Ronan Baxter
Mr Baxter, 39, who suffers from severe chronic depression complicated with paranoid schizophrenia, had not been seen since August 20, when he was spotted in the Bayswater area of west London.
His family feared his condition was rapidly deteriorating as he had no medication with him.
His brother, Ciarán Baxter, travelled to the city last weekend to meet Inspector Rave Pillai of the Metropolitan Police's missing persons bureau as part of efforts to locate him.
Mr Baxter today issued a statement confirming Ronan had been found in London and was now safe and receiving the appropriate medical care.
"His family wish to thank the gardai, the Metropolitan Police, the public, the media and the various organisations for all their help during the past weeks," he said.
"The family have been overwhelmed by the level of support and assistance they have received in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, which has resulted in bringing their ordeal to a happy conclusion.
"Ronan's father now asks that the media respect the need for privacy so as to ensure Ronan's well-being and return to full health." A huge search was launched in Ireland after Ronan went missing on August 13.
Following appeals through the media at home and in Britain it emerged he had boarded a flight to London. His family said he had been extremely unwell earlier this year, and was admitted to Cork University Hospital for treatment.