Music Journalist Andrew Stafford Reported Missing

Brisbane music writer Andrew Stafford has been reported missing. Family reported Stafford’s disappearance at around 8pm last night and a social media campaign reaching out for any news of the renowned journalist and author’s whereabouts has quickly gained momentum.

Last heard to be in Brisbane’s inner west, Stafford reportedly made a number of concerning social media posts before his Facebook and Twitter accounts were deactivated. His phone signal was last detected on the Cunningham Highway in the early hours of this morning, according to Brisbane Times. It is believed he could be driving a white, 1998 Nissan Pulsar with Queensland registration 606 GWN.

Reaction to the news is racing around social media with several high profile journalists, including Fairfax Media’s Rohan Connolly, News Corp’s Andrew Hamilton and triple j’s Dom Alessio, Triple M radio’s Jane Gazzo, aiding the search for information online.

Author Benjamin Law has written on Facebook: “Brisbane mates: Andrew Stafford — author of ‘Pig City’, brilliant writer and great human being all round — is officially missing. If you see him, or his car… contact the police or his partner Emma immediately. Please share and circulate.”

The writer has officially been listed as missing and, according the The Courier Mail, police have been investigating his disappearance since this morning. Family, friends, members of the writing community and the authorities are appealing for any information anybody might have.

An expert on the Brisbane live music scene, Stafford published Pig City: From The Saints To Savage Garden chronicling the scene from the 1970s to 2000, in 2004 and he works as a freelancer for several publications.

UPDATE 23/02/16, 2.07pm: Guardian Australia editor Steph Harmon has reported that she has been in contact with Stafford, and that “he is safe, has made contact with his family, and is heading home.”

UPDATE 23/02/16, 3.07pm: The Brisbane music journalist has since reportedly contacted a number of other people, and is said to be currently on his way home.

Anyone with any information on Andrew’s whereabouts has been asked to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au urgently. Andrew’s partner Emma can be reached on 0438 396 768.