Chloe Mitchell: Murder victim's family speak of 'living hell'

The family of Chloe Mitchell have been going through a "living hell" following the murder of the 21-year-old Ballymena woman, her older brother has said.

Philip Mitchell told BBC News NI his family was "devastated," but he also thanked people in the County Antrim town for the support they have shown.

Ms Mitchell went missing in Ballymena on 2 June and just over a week later a man was charged with her murder.

Hundreds of people attended vigils in Ballymena and Belfast on Wednesday.

"I think its amazing the way the community - not just the Ballymena and Harryville community - but every community and further afield has come together in memory of my wee sister Chloe," Philip Mitchell said.

"And the flowers and respect they've had is absolutely outstanding. It's completely respected by our family and will always be remembered."

There were emotional scenes at a vigil near where Chloe grew up

Asked how the family was coping, Mr Mitchell said: "I wouldn't want any family to go through this, it's just a living hell really and there's no words."

Speaking beside her brother, Nadine Mitchell said: "I've not only lost my sister but I've lost my best friend."

Describing Chloe, she said she "was special because she touched so many hearts".

"My sister will always be living, while I am, because she had half of my heart and I currently have half of hers."

Chloe Mitchell's brother and uncle viewing floral tributes ahead of the vigil in Ballymena

Chloe Mitchell was the youngest of her family and is survived by her parents, two older sisters and two older brothers.

Chloe's uncle Billy McDowell said the family's grief was "unbearable".

"It's so hard for them to cope with at the minute," he added, explaining that the immediate Mitchell family had asked for privacy when in their own home.

But he said they appreciated the public's help during the searches and their support at the vigils.

Mourners released balloons into the air in Chloe's memory

Hundreds of people attended a vigil in King George V park in Ballymena, organised by a mental health charity, Turning Point NI.

Speaking at the event Philip Mitchell thanked the charity for hosting the vigil and paid tribute to police for "every thing they had done for my wee sister".

Reporting from Ballymena, BBC News NI reporter, Catherine Morrison

It feels like all of Harryville has turned out to this vigil, within sight of where Chloe Mitchell grew up.

Many were in tears as they hugged and comforted each other.

There is a growing pile of floral tributes in the park, many bearing the words: "Forever 21".

This is a tight knit community and people are gathering tonight to remember Chloe and comfort her family.

There was a round of applause for members of the Community Search and Rescue team who searched for her.

'Stick together '

A vigil in Belfast was also held at City Hall, organised by the socialist feminist movement Rosa NI.

The father of Natalie McNally, who was murdered in Lurgan in December, attended the Belfast event to show solidarity with the Mitchell family.

"Our family knows exactly what [they're] going through, you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy," Noel McNally said.

Natalie McNally's father attended the Belfast vigil on Wednesday

"Everyone has to stick together to stop this violence against women…stop treating women like second-class citizens, everybody has to be treated equally."

Ann Orr from Rosa said she organised the vigil to give people an opportunity to express their grief and sorrow as well as a show of support for Chloe's family and friends.

She said there was a "collective grief" over Ms Mitchell's death, highlighting she is the 18th woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020.

Reporting from Belfast City Hall, Linzi Lima

A crowd gathered at Belfast City Hall

Crowds gathered in front of Belfast city hall this evening holding banners with different words but the same message - to end violence against women and girls.

Among the banners were posters featuring the face of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell as well as other women murdered in Northern Ireland including Natalie McNally and Hollie Thomson.

Some of those posters were held by members of those women's families who were there to show solidarity with the Mitchell family.

A one minute silence was held in honour of Chloe - a stark contrast to the chants lead by organisers before that silence.

Police's social media warning

On Monday, police investigating the murder appealed for people to stop sharing and commenting on graphic videos and texts circulating on social media platforms.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the material contained inaccuracies and was "also causing significant distress to Chloe's family and friends".

Flowers have been spread across King George's Park, Harryville, Ballymena

Det Ch Insp Millar added: "I am also aware of commentary in the media speculating about the recovery of human remains at specific locations.

"We would ask people not to comment and share such matters as they are likely to be incorrect, inaccurate and very hurtful to Chloe's family."