A SENIOR detective investigating the murder of Co Down woman Lisa Dorrian has urged those with information to "help bring some form of closure to years of torment".
In a renewed appeal for information about Ms Dorrian's disappearance and death almost 18 years ago, Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said "it is not too late to do the right thing".
He also highlighted a reward of up to £20,000 that is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ms Dorrian's murder or for information that results in the recovery of her body.
The shop assistant, who was 25, went missing after a party at a caravan site in Ballyhalbert on February 27 2005. It is believed she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.
Despite repeated appeals, her body has never been found.
Police believe the young woman was murdered. However, no-one has ever been charged.
Ms Dorrian's mother, Pat (59) died in 2015 without knowing what had happened her daughter.
Mr Corrigan said: "Despite extensive search operations and thousands of lines of enquiries being completed, Lisa’s body has not been found, and those responsible for her murder have not been brought to justice.
"It’s almost 18 years on, and the pain still felt by Lisa’s family is understandably as raw as ever.
"Lisa’s family and friends won’t ever give up their search for answers and, likewise, our determination remains steadfast.
"Those responsible, and those withholding information, must surely have a heavy conscience? They are denying this family the most basic of rights, and that’s the right to lay their loved one to rest."
Mr Corrigan said he is "keen to highlight a reward of up to £20,000 from Crimestoppers, who are a charity and are independent of the police".
"It’s especially noteworthy, and indeed unusual, that this reward is being offered for either information given directly to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Lisa’s murder, or for information that results in the recovery of her body," he said.
"And, of course, this information can be given anonymously, meaning Crimestoppers will never ask for or store any of your personal details.
"Contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. There is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and computer IP addresses are never traced or provided to detectives.
"It is not too late to do the right thing and to help bring some form of closure to years of torment.
"I am asking you to imagine, just for one minute, how Lisa’s family and friends must feel every waking day. Please search your conscience and come forward."
