Stuart Gilson's workmates 'devastated' over his disappearance
THE BOSS of missing Stuart Gilson has spoken of the heartache his colleagues have experienced since his disappearance.
Stuart, 21, works as a painter and decorator at the Yorkshire Maintenance Company in Dalton Street.
Workmates say he is held in high regard by his team, who have said the office has not been the same since he vanished on Saturday, January 28.
Stuart's boss Neil Marrow said: "It's horrendous. We're all devastated.
"We're all trying to support each other, but the place isn't the same without him.
"We've all been out searching for him. We just can't believe he has gone missing.
"Everyone here is rallying around and trying to support each other, but it's hard because we are all so sad."
Stuart, who lives in Greatfield, has worked for the company for five years and worked as an apprentice for Mr Marrow.
He was due to travel to Holland to work on a contract with three workmates on Sunday, January 29, but disappeared the day before.
Stuart was last seen at 10.17pm on the Saturday night, walking into a tunnel that leads to Drypool Bridge, as shown in this CCTV footage.
He was heading away from town and on his own, having left two friends in Lowgate, without telling them he was leaving.
Stuart does not appear on CCTV footage in Clarence Street ahead of the bridge, despite it being in working order, so police believe he must have turned right down some steps just before the end of the bridge, on to a footpath that leads alongside the River Hull.
Mr Marrow spoke to Stuart about the trip to Holland just hours before his disappearance.
He said: "I was the last person at work to speak to him on the Saturday morning.
"We were arranging to meet on Sunday at 3pm. He was supposed to come to the office and get what he needed for Holland and I'd give him his Euros to live on while he was there, but he never turned up."
Mr Marrow said: "I thought it was strange. There was meant to be four of them going but the other three had to go and felt awful about going without him.
"One of the lads was meant to be sharing a twin room with him. They are still there now, it is terrible for them."
Mr Marrow said he has all Stuart's work equipment, including his tools and personal items he left behind in a work van before he vanished.
"I'm very worried about him," said Mr Marrow. " I don't know what to think about what has happened, I just hope he comes back.
"He was like a third son to me. He's a fantastic worker, he's very good at what he does, he's reliable, honest and he's never let me down."
Humberside Police have now called off all physical searches for Stuart, but continue to review CCTV footage.
Anyone with information about Stuart's whereabouts should call police on 101.
• Update - March 10: Body found in River Humber believed to be that of missing Stuart Gilson
Hull's homeless may provide clues to Stuart Gilson mystery
Taxi driver was last man to see Stuart Gilson
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