19/09/2016

New Arlene Arkinson Search Ends

A new search operation launched by police investigating the disappearance of Arlene Arkinson has ended with "nothing suspicious" found.

Police had cordoned off an area near Killen, outside Castlederg, last Thursday. The area is close to where Arlene was last seen alive with convicted child killer and rapist Robert Howard.

Mr Howard was the main suspect in the teenager's disappearance.

Ms Arkinson, from Castlederg, was 15-years-old when she went missing in 1994 after a night out in the Republic of Ireland. Her body has never been found.

It is understood that a farmer who rents the land where the new searches were carried out contacted police after he discovered an area of disturbed land behind a derelict house.

Forensic investigators are said to have examined the scene throughout Friday and Saturday, but the search came to an end on Saturday evening, with no new evidence having been found.

(MH/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 July 2017
Appeal Issued For Volunteers For New Search For Dean Mcilwaine
An appeal has been made for volunteers to search Cave Hill in Belfast for missing Newtownabbey man, Dean Mcilwaine. Mr Mcilwaine has been missing since Thursday 13 July. A previous search was carried out in Belfast city centre, but a new search operation is planned for the Belfast country park on Saturday 22 July.
19 November 2010
Republican Protest 'Deal' Queried
A Stormont Justice Committee member has said figures revealed by the Department of Justice that almost £700,000 has been spent as a result of the agreement reached with dissident republicans in Maghaberry prison will be met with dismay by the public.
03 November 2006
Man due in court over drugs seizure
A 46-year-old man is due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates Court later today facing a number of drugs charges. The man is charged with possession of a Class C drug, possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply, and cultivation of a Class C drug.
16 September 2016
New Search Begins For Arlene Arkinson
A fresh search for missing teenager Arlene Arkinson is to take place in Co Tyrone. Ms Arkinson, from Castlederg, was 15-years-old when she went missing in 1994 after a night out in the Republic of Ireland. Her body has never been found. It is understood police cordoned off an area near Killen, just outside Castlederg on Thursday night.
06 December 2023
PSNI And Garda Conduct Coordinated And Simultaneous Search Operation
The PSNI have participated in a coordinated and simultaneous search operation in partnership with the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau under the Joint Agency Task Force (JATF).