Two weeks on, the search continues

Saturday 25 January 2020

Today marks two weeks since the last confirmed sighting of Guernseyman Matthew Bourgaize with his worried family and friends appealing for any information which may help find him.

The 29-year-old had been an in-patient at the island's mental health facility, the Oberlands centre, where he was believed to be responding well to treatment.

The reason for his admission has not been made public, but Guernsey Police have previously said Mr Bourgaize is not a risk to anyone.

On Saturday 11 January he had been allowed a visit in the foyer area, because he was responding well to his treatment. However, that afternoon he walked out of the Oberlands facility and left the grounds of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, heading towards the Ville au Roi. 

He was then captured on CCTV, showing that he walked from the PEH towards Croutes Havilland and Fort Road. There have been no confirmed sightings of him since then.

Above: The CCTV showing Matthew Bourgaize heading towards Fort Road on Saturday 11 January. 

There has since been an unconfirmed sighting of Mr Bourgaize on Braye Road, near Alliance, on Sunday. That individual was wearing a coat and jogging trousers which match the items Mr Bougaize was wearing when he left the Oberlands.

Guernsey Police have asked if that person can contact them, on 725111, to rule themselves out of the enquiry. 

Guernsey Police have also asked if anyone who saw or heard a man cycling along Grandes Maison Road, singing songs out loud, in the weeks before Christmas can contact them.

While there have been no confirmed sightings of Mr Bourgaize since Saturday 11 January, Guernsey Police have said the search remains active. 

Last weekend, officers were seen in the area around Fort Road, where they were speaking to passers-by who may have seen him the week prior.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Mr Bourgaize, or who has any information which may or may not be relevant to the enquiry, should call the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre on 725111.

Pictured top: Matthew Bourgaize.