A murder inquiry has been launched after remains were found in the search for missing Chloe Mitchell. The 21-year-old had last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, June 3 in Ballymena Town Centre.
Chloe was last seen wearing a green and black North Face-style jacket, a white t-shirt, leggings and Nike trainers. Rescue teams as well as officers had been involved in an extensive operation with searches s continuing through Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Though no formal identification has taken place, police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains in Ballymena. Belfast Live reports two men aged 26 and 34 are believed to be in custody and are assisting police with their enquiries.
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 launched a murder enquiry 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 Chloe was murdered.
"Our thoughts this evening are very much with Chloe's family and we have specialist officers providing them with support at the heart-breaking time. I would like to thank the community in Ballymena and the Search and Rescue teams for their help in trying to find Chloe.
"Two men, aged 26 and 34, remain in police custody helping police with the enquiries. Further details will follow in due course."
On Friday, police confirmed a criminal investigation into her disappearance has also been launched and said they are treating her as a “high-risk missing person”.
A statement from the Community Rescue Service said: "As of 20.30 this evening, Sunday the 11th June, the CRS have completed their searches in the Ballymena area for missing person Chloe Mitchell. We have now handed over to the PSNI to continue with their investigations.
"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. We remain on standby to respond to any further requests for assistance or taskings from police."
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Thursday. PSNI Officers have been granted further time to question him. Meanwhile a second man, aged 34, was also arrested on Saturday morning in the Ballymena area and remains in police custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.
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