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14/08/2014
Appeal Over 'Mystery Women' In Arlene Arkinson Murder Case
Police have made an appeal regarding two "mystery women" as part of investigations into the murder of Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson twenty years ago.
15-year-old Arlene was last seen in the early hours of 14 August 1994. She disappeared after a night out in Bundoran, County Donegal.
In 2005 a 61-year-old man stood trial for Arlene’s murder but was acquitted.
Then in 2012, a derelict flat at Main Street in Castlederg, County Tyrone, was searched after new information became available to investigators.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of the murder, Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter has said specimens of blood belonging to two women were found during the 2012 search.
"These blood specimens belong to two different women. Tests have confirmed they are not from Arlene. But neither specimen has registered on the national DNA database," she said.
"On the 20th anniversary of Arlene’s disappearance, I would ask that any woman who was in this flat at 49a Main Street, which has since been demolished, at any time to make contact with police. They have a story to tell and we want to hear it. Their assistance could be beneficial to the investigation."
Police said officers will be conducting a number of land searches in various parts of County Tyrone and other locations over the coming months.
D/Superintendent Baxter said: "This investigation will continue. It will be progressed as far as we can take it. Indeed, I can confirm that our enquiries have involved detectives interviewing a man in England.
"While we acknowledge the pain this causes to Arlene’s family, police alone cannot solve this case or find Arlene. It is only with the help of the public that the person responsible will be brought to justice and the Arkinson family will find any degree of comfort."
(IT/MH)
15-year-old Arlene was last seen in the early hours of 14 August 1994. She disappeared after a night out in Bundoran, County Donegal.
In 2005 a 61-year-old man stood trial for Arlene’s murder but was acquitted.
Then in 2012, a derelict flat at Main Street in Castlederg, County Tyrone, was searched after new information became available to investigators.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of the murder, Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter has said specimens of blood belonging to two women were found during the 2012 search.
"These blood specimens belong to two different women. Tests have confirmed they are not from Arlene. But neither specimen has registered on the national DNA database," she said.
"On the 20th anniversary of Arlene’s disappearance, I would ask that any woman who was in this flat at 49a Main Street, which has since been demolished, at any time to make contact with police. They have a story to tell and we want to hear it. Their assistance could be beneficial to the investigation."
Police said officers will be conducting a number of land searches in various parts of County Tyrone and other locations over the coming months.
D/Superintendent Baxter said: "This investigation will continue. It will be progressed as far as we can take it. Indeed, I can confirm that our enquiries have involved detectives interviewing a man in England.
"While we acknowledge the pain this causes to Arlene’s family, police alone cannot solve this case or find Arlene. It is only with the help of the public that the person responsible will be brought to justice and the Arkinson family will find any degree of comfort."
(IT/MH)
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