Missing Briton's parents fly out

Sean Kennedy was last seen at a Sydney theatre

The parents of a British backpacker who went missing in Sydney are flying out to Australia to be closer to the search for their son.

A nationwide appeal has been set up to find Sean Kennedy, 22, from Northampton who has not been seen for six days.

The ex-Liverpool student went missing last Thursday after he was ejected from a concert venue following an argument.

New South Wales Police said there was great concern for Mr Kennedy as it was out of character for him to disappear.

A spokeswoman said: "Along with Sean's family we are extremely concerned for his welfare as Sean has been described to us as a very reliable person who always rang to tell his girlfriend when he was going to be home."

Mr Kennedy had been travelling in Australia with his girlfriend, Catherine Rowden, also 22, on a working holiday since February.

I just need to know that Sean is okay - I am really worried about him Sean's girlfriend, Catherine Rowden

He was last seen on Thursday by his friends at the Metro theatre in George Street, Sydney, where they were to watch the band, Ash.

Police believe the former student became separated from his friends and was ejected from the venue after an argument.

He did not return to the home he shared with Miss Rowden in the Surry Hills area of the city and was not at work the following day.

Miss Rowden said it was "very, very out of the ordinary" for Mr Kennedy to lose touch with her or his family for such a long time.

"Sean is a great boyfriend and reliable person," she said. "He always rings to let me know when he's going to be home.

"It is so out of character for him to go the night without contacting me. In the 18 months we have been going out together, a day wouldn't pass without us at least talking to, or texting, each other.

"I just need to know that Sean is okay. I am really worried about him."