Chloe Mitchell: Murder inquiry after suspected remains found

Chloe Mitchell had been missing since last weekend

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of suspected human remains during searches for a missing woman in Ballymena.

Chloe Mitchell was last seen in the County Antrim town between the night of 2 June and the early hours of 3 June.

A huge search operation has been taking place in an attempt to find the 21-year-old.

On Sunday night, Det Ch Insp Richard Millar said police now had reason to believe she was murdered.

"Our thoughts this evening are very much with Chloe's family and we have specialist officers providing them with support at this heart-breaking time," he said.

He added the remains had not yet been formally identified.

Two men, aged 26 and 34, who were earlier arrested over her disappearance remain in police custody.

The 34-year-old was arrested in Ballymena on Saturday, while the 26-year-old was arrested in Lurgan in County Armagh on Thursday.

On Saturday afternoon, police were granted a further 36 hours to question the 26-year-old.

Forensic teams have been seen entering a house in James Street

Forensic teams were seen entering a house in James Street in Ballymena on Sunday evening.

The property had been sealed off by police for a number of days.

On Friday, Ms Mitchell's brother, Phillip Mitchell, said he was broken by her disappearance and appealed for information.

At that stage, police had described her as a "high-risk missing person".

A prayer vigil for Ms Mitchell was held at Harryville Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening.

A crowd gathered for a prayer service on Sunday evening

On Saturday, police said they were increasingly concerned for the young woman's safety and renewed their appeal for information.

'Saddened and disturbed'

Extensive searches had been carried out to try to find Ms Mitchell.

On Sunday the Community Rescue Service (CRS) said it had completed all search areas as requested.

In a statement it added: "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."

The MP for the area, Ian Paisley, said he was "deeply saddened and disturbed".

"This is heartbreaking news for Chloe's family and friends and will shadow the town of Ballymena with sadness," he said.

"The family have stated they are broken. No one can understand just how deep that break is."

Mr Paisley said he understood the police would hold a press conference on Monday.