Northern Ireland

Missing woman Nicola Murray's partner urges people to 'check outbuildings'

Nicola Murray has been missing from her Cushendall home since Saturday evening
Nicola Murray has been missing from her Cushendall home since Saturday evening Nicola Murray has been missing from her Cushendall home since Saturday evening

THE partner of a Co Antrim woman who has been missing since the weekend has appealed for people to check outbuildings and sheds as the search continues.

Nicola Murray (43) has not been seen since she left her Cushendall home at around 6.15pm on Saturday.

On Sunday, rescue teams from Coleraine, Ballycastle and Larne were dispatched to join in the search, along with the Red Bay lifeboat crew.

Teams of volunteers from the local community have also come forward to join land and coast searches.

Speaking to The Irish News last night, Ms Murray's partner Arnold Stewart said it was a "very stressful period".

He paid tribute to all those who have helped with the searches, including the running club, hurling club and golf club, which has become a base for the search effort.

"People are just covering different areas," he said.

Teams of volunteers have been searching for Nicola Murray
Teams of volunteers have been searching for Nicola Murray Teams of volunteers have been searching for Nicola Murray

Mr Stewart described Ms Murray as a "good, bubbly girl" who "enjoyed life and she enjoyed sport".

"She was caring and warm. She was just happy and good-natured."

He asked people in the area to check outbuildings and sheds and also appealed to those who may have been in the area over the St Patrick's weekend to think back in case they saw Ms Murray.

She is described as 5ft 3ins tall and of slim build with dark-brown shoulder-length hair, which is slightly greying and normally tied back in a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing a short red padded coat, dark blue jeans and a pink coloured beanie hat.