THE family of a student who went missing after a college freshers' ball have issued a tearful plea for information.

Mohummad Ali Chaudry disappeared on the eve of his 20th birthday after spending Thursday night with new friends from IADT college, in Dun Laoghaire, south Dublin.

His father, Chaudey Iqbal, told the Herald the entire family was devastated.

"Every night he would ring to tell his mother that he was going to bed," he said. "He knows that she wouldn't sleep if he didn't tell her. I cannot tell you how worried we are."

Chaudey Iqbal and his wife Shamim Aara Iqbal fought back tears as they pleaded for information on their son.

"We left Pakistan as we thought that Ireland was supposed to be safe," Mohummad's father said.

"Please, can someone who has information just come forward."

Mohummad recently moved to Dublin to start the first year of a media and film degree at the college. His parents live in Claremorris, Co Mayo.

The student was last seen at the Lafayette Club near O'Connell Street at about 1am on Friday morning.

A female friend told gardai that she had helped him into a taxi after he complained that he was feeling unwell.

He was due to stay the night at the friend's house, but never returned there, nor to his place in Blackrock.

"He should know that his family is not angry at him and that they just want him to come home," Mohummad's parents added.

TAXI

They also called on business owners in the D'Olier Street area to check CCTV footage from the night to see if the taxi can be identified.

Gardai are keen to speak to any taxi driver who might have picked up Mohummad between 12.55am and 01.30am on Friday morning.

The student is described as being 5ft 10in tall and of a slight build.

When last seen, he was wearing a pink shirt, light blue jeans with cuffs on the bottom and white shoes or runners. He was also wearing a heavy gold wrist chain and a neck chain.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackrock Garda Station on 01-6665200, the garda confidential telephone line 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

hnews@herald.ie