Menu
14/08/2014
Appeal Over 'Mystery Women' In Arlene Arkinson Murder Case
Police have made an appeal regarding two "mystery women" as part of investigations into the murder of Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson twenty years ago.
15-year-old Arlene was last seen in the early hours of 14 August 1994. She disappeared after a night out in Bundoran, County Donegal.
In 2005 a 61-year-old man stood trial for Arlene’s murder but was acquitted.
Then in 2012, a derelict flat at Main Street in Castlederg, County Tyrone, was searched after new information became available to investigators.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of the murder, Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter has said specimens of blood belonging to two women were found during the 2012 search.
"These blood specimens belong to two different women. Tests have confirmed they are not from Arlene. But neither specimen has registered on the national DNA database," she said.
"On the 20th anniversary of Arlene’s disappearance, I would ask that any woman who was in this flat at 49a Main Street, which has since been demolished, at any time to make contact with police. They have a story to tell and we want to hear it. Their assistance could be beneficial to the investigation."
Police said officers will be conducting a number of land searches in various parts of County Tyrone and other locations over the coming months.
D/Superintendent Baxter said: "This investigation will continue. It will be progressed as far as we can take it. Indeed, I can confirm that our enquiries have involved detectives interviewing a man in England.
"While we acknowledge the pain this causes to Arlene’s family, police alone cannot solve this case or find Arlene. It is only with the help of the public that the person responsible will be brought to justice and the Arkinson family will find any degree of comfort."
(IT/MH)
15-year-old Arlene was last seen in the early hours of 14 August 1994. She disappeared after a night out in Bundoran, County Donegal.
In 2005 a 61-year-old man stood trial for Arlene’s murder but was acquitted.
Then in 2012, a derelict flat at Main Street in Castlederg, County Tyrone, was searched after new information became available to investigators.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of the murder, Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter has said specimens of blood belonging to two women were found during the 2012 search.
"These blood specimens belong to two different women. Tests have confirmed they are not from Arlene. But neither specimen has registered on the national DNA database," she said.
"On the 20th anniversary of Arlene’s disappearance, I would ask that any woman who was in this flat at 49a Main Street, which has since been demolished, at any time to make contact with police. They have a story to tell and we want to hear it. Their assistance could be beneficial to the investigation."
Police said officers will be conducting a number of land searches in various parts of County Tyrone and other locations over the coming months.
D/Superintendent Baxter said: "This investigation will continue. It will be progressed as far as we can take it. Indeed, I can confirm that our enquiries have involved detectives interviewing a man in England.
"While we acknowledge the pain this causes to Arlene’s family, police alone cannot solve this case or find Arlene. It is only with the help of the public that the person responsible will be brought to justice and the Arkinson family will find any degree of comfort."
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
27 September 2017
Five Men Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He was taken to hospital but died the next day. The PSNI also searched two properties in the area. The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
Five Men Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He was taken to hospital but died the next day. The PSNI also searched two properties in the area. The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
26 March 2012
Search Resumes For Arlene Arkinson
Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Arlene Arkinson who disappeared in 1994 have resumed a series of searches in rural locations in County Tyrone. Following on from searches last year, the resumed operation has the twin objectives of recovering the schoolgirl's remains and progressing the investigation.
Search Resumes For Arlene Arkinson
Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Arlene Arkinson who disappeared in 1994 have resumed a series of searches in rural locations in County Tyrone. Following on from searches last year, the resumed operation has the twin objectives of recovering the schoolgirl's remains and progressing the investigation.
17 September 2012
Arlene Arkinson Detectives Search Flat In Castlederg
A flat in Castlederg has been searched by detectives investigating the murder of missing teenager Arlene Arkinson. It's understood the flat, on Main Street, is the former home of child killer Robert Howard who was acquitted of her murder in 2005. Police have said it is a detailed forensic examination, not a search for human remains.
Arlene Arkinson Detectives Search Flat In Castlederg
A flat in Castlederg has been searched by detectives investigating the murder of missing teenager Arlene Arkinson. It's understood the flat, on Main Street, is the former home of child killer Robert Howard who was acquitted of her murder in 2005. Police have said it is a detailed forensic examination, not a search for human remains.
08 February 2022
Ombudsman: 'Collusive Behaviours' From Police In Loyalist Murders
The Police Ombudsman has found significant investigative and intelligence failures and "collusive behaviours" by the RUC in relation to a series of murders and attempted murders by the UDA/UFF in south Belfast in the 1990s.
Ombudsman: 'Collusive Behaviours' From Police In Loyalist Murders
The Police Ombudsman has found significant investigative and intelligence failures and "collusive behaviours" by the RUC in relation to a series of murders and attempted murders by the UDA/UFF in south Belfast in the 1990s.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
