Murder investigation launched after suspected human remains found in Chloe Mitchell case

Investigators investigating the disappearance of Co Antrim woman Chloe Mitchell have launched a murder investigation after suspected human remains were found in Ballymena.

Ms Mitchell, 21, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena town centre.

Two men arrested in connection with the case remained in police custody Sunday night.

Police forensic officers at a property in James Street, Ballymena, on Sunday evening (Liam McBurney/PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar, of Police Service Northern Ireland, said: “Regrettably, investigators recovered suspected human remains in Ballymena today and whilst there has been no formal identification, we have now opened a murder investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, in whom it was found it 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 are wholeheartedly with Chloe’s family tonight and we have specialized officials to support them at this heartbreaking time.”

Forensic officers searched an apartment in the James Street area of ​​Ballymena on Sunday evening. The property was cordoned off by police earlier this week.

The discovery comes after extensive searches across Ballymena in recent days.

A 26-year-old man arrested in Lurgan, County Armagh, on Thursday in connection with the police investigation was questioned further on Sunday after officers won a 36-hour extension to his detention on Saturday.

A second man, 34, was arrested in the Ballymena area on Saturday. He also remained in custody on Sunday.

Mr Millar added: “I would like to thank the community in Ballymena and the search and rescue teams for their help in finding Chloe.”