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Writer's pictureLove Ballymena

Police forensics teams at property in Ballymena as search teams comb river

Updated: Jun 9, 2023

Police forensics team

Images: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia


A number of police forensic officers are conducting an investigation at a flat in the James Street area of Ballymena on this evening, Thursday, 8 June.


It comes as a search operation was mounted earlier today by Community Rescue Service volunteers and police search technicians in the River Braid in Harryville.


The ongoing operation comes as police investigate the disappearance of 21-year-old Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell.



Police forensics team
Police forensics team
Police forensics team

In a statement on Thursday evening police said they were becoming "increasingly concerned" as to the whereabouts of the woman who has been missing since last Friday (2nd June). Police also confirmed they have arrested a 26-year-old man in Lurgan on Thursday.


It is understood the property in Harryville which has been sealed off by police is the home of the young man arrested in Lurgan.


Police search team in river

Image: NI Emergency Response Vids


In the statement issued earlier this evening, Chief Inspector Arnie O’Neill said:


“We are becoming increasingly concerned as to the whereabouts of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell. We are now aware that Chloe was last seen in the late hours of Friday June 2nd into the early hours of Saturday 3rd in Ballymena Town Centre.


"She was seen on CCTV walking in the direction of James Street.



“Chloe was wearing a green and black Northface style jacket, a white t-shirt, leggings and Nike trainers.


“A 26 year old man has been arrested in Lurgan this afternoon and is currently helping police with enquiries.”


Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference number 2262 05/06/23.“


Search team vehicles at the Braid River Retail Park

Search team vehicles at the Braid River Retail Park


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