Opinion

Huge concern over missing Saoirse Smyth

The announcement last night that the disappearance of 28-year-old Belfast woman Saoirse Smyth, who was last seen more than a year ago, has become the subject of a cross-border murder investigation was deeply disturbing.

Evidence has linked her to Omeath in Co Louth, where a house was searched by Garda officers yesterday, and a 40-year-old man who was arrested in nearby Newry was being questioned by the PSNI last night.

There will be enormous sympathy for the family and friends of Ms Smyth, who can only have been increasingly frantic with worry as month after month went by with no contact from her.

Their appeal for information about the case deserves an immediate response from anyone who can help with details about the missing woman or her movements.