Community Rescue Service (CRS) volunteers were at the forefront of a search operation which led to the discovery of a body of a missing person, on Wednesday night, 18th October.
Speaking late on Wednesday night, a CRS spokesperson commented:
"CRS were tasked tonight to the Mid-Ulster area to resume their search for a high risk missing person.
"We regret to inform you that late this evening CRS volunteers discovered a body believed to be that of the missing person.
"The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased at this sad time."
It is believed the search was connected to the ongoing investigation being led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland who have been looking for high-risk missing person Lee Johnston.
The 21-year-old with links to Ballymena, Coleraine, Limavady and Cookstown, was last seen on Tuesday 7th October. Lee was first reported missing to police on Friday evening, 13th October.
Police launched a criminal investigation into the case and on Tuesday (17th October) arrested a 31-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man. Police investigating the young man's disappearance visited a block of flats in the Ballykeel area of Ballymena. Both were released on police bail pending further enquiries.
On Wednesday night, police confirmed that a body had been discovered in Maghera. In a short statement, a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said:
"Police searching for missing person Lee Johnston have located the body of a man in the Maghera area," adding, "More details will follow in due course."
Officers remained at the scene late on Wednesday night. It is understood a formal identification and post mortem will be conducted over coming days.