Murder investigation after remains found in search for missing woman, 21
A missing person investigation has now become a murder inquiry after human remains were found.
21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Sunday evening it has launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar said: ‘Sadly, today detectives have recovered suspected human remains in Ballymena, and while there has been no formal identification, we have now launched a murder inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, who was a high-risk missing person.
‘Earlier this week, we launched a criminal investigation into Chloe’s disappearance. Tragically, we now have reason to believe that Chloe was murdered.
‘Our thoughts this evening are very much with Chloe’s family and we have specialist officers providing them with support at this heartbreaking time.
‘I would like to thank the community in Ballymena and the search and rescue teams for their help in trying to find Chloe.’
Her brother Phillip Mitchell said he was broken by her disappearance and appealed for information, the BBC reports.
Forensic officers attended a flat in the James Street area of Ballymena on Sunday evening. The property had been cordoned off by police earlier in the week.
Two men have been arrested in connection with Chloe’s disappearance.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in County Armagh on Thursday, and a 34-year-old was arrested on Saturday morning.
Yesterday officers were granted a further 36 hours to question the 26-year-old.
Police and the Community Rescue Service (CRS) have been searching in and around Ballymena since Thursday evening, including in the Harryville area, the River Braid, parklands, undergrowth, river banks and even inside bins.
A CRS statement released on Sunday evening said: ‘The CRS would like to thank the people of Ballymena, those who live and work in the Harryville area and especially Chloe’s family and friends for their exceptional support during our operations.’
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