Northern Ireland

Remains in Chloe Mitchell murder probe not yet identified

Suspected murder victim Chloe Mitchell
Suspected murder victim Chloe Mitchell

Suspected remains recovered in the search for missing Co Antrim woman Chloe Mitchell have not yet been identified although a post-mortem examination has been completed.

The search for Ms Mitchell was launched in her home town of Ballymena earlier this month after she vanished.

The 21-year-old was last seen in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of Saturday June 3 while suspected human remains were recovered on June 11. 

Read more: Brother of murdered 21-year-old woman thanks community as hundreds attend vigil

Brandon John Rainey, 26, from James Street in Ballymena, has appeared in court charged with Ms Mitchell's murder while Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, from Nursery Close, Ballymena, is accused of assisting an offender.

Vigils to remember Ms Mitchell were held in Ballymena and Belfast last week.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI said on Tuesday:  “The post mortem on human remains found in Ballymena on Sunday June 11 has now concluded.

"The identification process is still ongoing.”

Philip Mitchell speaks at a vigil in King George’s Park, Ballymena, to mark the death of his sister Chloe (Liam McBurney/PA)
Philip Mitchell speaks at a vigil in King George’s Park, Ballymena, to mark the death of his sister Chloe (Liam McBurney/PA)