THE family of Sandbach student Steve Cook, who went missing while on holiday in Crete earlier this month, said their search had so far turned up few leads.

The 20-year-old Liverpool University student, of Swallow Drive, disappeared on September 1 in the Greek resort of Malia.

Friends raised the alarm after Steve failed to return to his hotel following a night out less than 24 hours after the group of 15 pals arrived.

The disappearance is said to be completely out of character for avid Liverpool supporter Steve, a former Sandbach School pupil.

Speaking from Crete on Tuesday, his brother-in-law Philip Edwards said: "We have just been doing whatever we can over here, but it is very limited and the heat is incredible.

"Everything we have asked to be done is being done, and I think they were doing 99% of it already.

"The authorities have put appeals in the newspapers, on the radio and on TV but so far there has been nothing.

"They have got hold of it in a big way, as it is something that does not really happen over here.

"I'm completely at a loss as to what may have happened to Steve - he's intelligent and un-argumentative and just not the type of person for this to happen to."

Steve's brother, Chris, aged 30, said earlier he thought Steve might have become disorientated after having his drink spiked and may have lost his memory.

Cheshire Police have taken statements from Steve's friends who have now returned home from Malia, and the National Missing Persons Helpline has been informed.

Steven's dad Norman, aged 62, said the whole family was working together to do everything they can to find him.

He added: "My son and nephew are meeting with a guy who is going out there who knows the country very well.

"Other than that we are in touch with the police here through a family liaison officer, along with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and with my local MP Ann Winterton, who has been very helpful.

"We are doing everything we can and are relying on the Greek Police to do their job."

Anyone who has information that might help locate Steven should call the 24-hour National Missing Persons Helpline free on 0500 700 700.