Seven sightings of missing student Steve (From Warrington Guardian)

Seven sightings of missing student Steve

THE SEARCH for a missing Sandbach student has been given a massive shot in the arm after seven sightings were reported following a TV appeal.

After an appearance by Norman and Pat Cook on GMTV, five sightings in Greece and two in London of 21-year-old Steve Cook have been reported to the authorities.

Liverpool University student Steve disappeared in Malia, Crete, last September and an exhaustive search has produced no concrete leads to date.

But these fresh sightings have given the Cook family a welcome boost as the summer holiday season approaches.

Brother Chris said: "It has given us all a massive shot in the arm although the police are warning us not to get too excited.

"It gave my parents a shock. I think they dropped their cups of tea when they saw it on the television because they hadn't been told beforehand.

"We don't know too many details and we're still waiting for them to be followed up.

"The police are out there now to announce the reward so these next few weeks and months are paramount."

Chris believes the two reported sightings of Steve in London are particularly curious.

He continued: "I don't know how they have come about.

"To have two sightings in London is a bit odd and it could just be someone who looks a lot like Steve.

"I've been in situations like that. One guy walked past me at the match and it looked so much like him that my heart just went cold.

"But it's all good news and important that we're keeping people aware of the situation."

A reward worth around £4,000 is being offered in Greece for information leading to Steve's discovery.

The money has been put up by the family following a glitzy charity auction of memorabilia donated by sports and entertainment stars, including Michael Owen and Rafa Benitez.

The 21-year-old went missing last September on the first night of his holiday with friends in Malia.

Anyone who can help with the search can log onto www.findstevencook.co.uk.