AIR and sea rescue teams were combing a stretch of the Australian coastline yesterday in a bid to locate a missing Irish tourist.

The man, who was identified as 30-year-old Niall McDonough, was last seen by his girlfriend at their hostel in the popular backpacker destination of Byron Bay on the east coast.

It is understood McDonagh left his accommodation and went for a walk at about 9pm local time on Friday night but never returned.

At around 7am yesterday morning, some of his belongings were located on a chair at the Cape Byron lighthouseoverlooking the ocean.

A statement released by the New South Wales police force at around 5pm yesterday evening appealed for the public's help in locating him.

It said that they "initiated a search of the headland and surrounding waterways with the help of Surf Rescue, a rescue helicopter and a local helicopter. At this stage, he has not been found. Investigators hold concerns for the man's welfare."

Details of where McDonough comes from in Ireland are unclear at this stage. However, he has been described as being 170cm in height, of medium build with red hair.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing grey jeans and runners.

Byron Bay is a popular destination on the Australian backpacker route, located around 760km north of
Sydney.

McDonough's disappearance follows that of fellow Irish man Sean Walsh (26) from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, who went missing from Sydney last May whilst visiting with friends.