Rock group in backpacker appeal

Sean Kennedy was last seen at a Sydney theatre

Rock group Ash have appealed for information about a Briton who went missing eight days ago in Australia after attending a concert by the band.

Sean Kennedy, 22, had been thrown out of the Metro theatre, in Sydney, after a row with another audience member.

His parents Donal and Denise, from Northampton, have flown to Sydney and in a news conference earlier on Friday appealed for help to trace their son.

New South Wales Police said they had "grave concerns" for his welfare.

Ash frontman Tim Wheeler told Radio 1's Newsbeat: "We'd just like to make an appeal for anyone with information, who were there on the evening, or if they've seen him since, to contact the police.

"It's very strange that he hasn't been heard of for a week and hasn't used his credit cards - we're just hoping for the best, that he'll turn up."

'Devastated'

Mrs Kennedy told reporters: "Sean is the kind of son any parent would be proud of. He's considerate and very funny - he has a great sense of humour.

I just know he's out there somewhere. He can't have disappeared off the face of the earth Denise Kennedy

"Our lives have been turned upside down. We're just devastated by his disappearance.

"He's a gentle giant who wouldn't want to hurt anyone, he's such a likeable person.

"We both spoke with him on the Saturday before his disappearance. He was in great form. He's been really loving his time in Sydney and had settled into his life in the city.

"I just know he's out there somewhere. He can't have disappeared off the face of the earth."

Det Insp Dave Egan-Lee, said Mr Kennedy's bank accounts had not been touched since his disappearance and his mobile phone had not been used.

Denise Kennedy said the family's lives were 'turned upside down'

"Unless he has some access to funds that we're not aware of - and I don't think that is the case - that is a very worrying fact," he said.

Officers are following up several leads after revellers in the area were shown photographs of the missing Briton.

He said there had been one unconfirmed sighting of the former Liverpool student at a neighbouring nightclub.

"We are also investigating the possibility Sean might have gone to a hotel at Kings Cross on the night to listen to another band."

'Out of the ordinary'

Mr Kennedy had been in Australia with girlfriend Catherine Rowden on a working holiday since February.

The couple were planning a month-long trip north along Australia's east coast in September before heading to Asia.

Ms Rowden, 22, 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. He always rings to let me know when he's going to be home," she said.