Campaign marks anniversary of Lisa Dorrian disappearance

Detectives investigating the murder of Lisa Dorrian have joined with her family to mark the second anniversary of her disappearance by launching an advertising campaign to encourage the small group of people who know what happened to her to come forward with information.

The 25-year-old went missing in the early hours of 28 February 2005 from a caravan at Ballyhalbert. Despite extensive searches, arrests and inquiries, Lisa's body has not been recovered.

The advertising campaign is targeted in Bangor, Newtownards and Rathcoole - locations where detectives believe that individuals have information about what happened to Lisa. It will be concentrated on poster sites, bus shelters, phone boxes, buses and some entertainment venues.

Launching the campaign in Bangor today, the police officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Sean Wright, said: "Two years on, this is still a live, active and ongoing investigation. The perpetrators may think they have evaded justice but this investigation will continue.“

So far in the investigation there have been 70 searches - 48 of houses or on land, six underwater and 16 using body recovery dogs. Six people have been arrested and 53 interviews of suspects conducted. 3,500 people have been spoken to, 2,800 lines of enquiry registered, 1,000 statements have been taken and there are 5,000 supporting documents.

Lisa's mother, Mrs Patricia Dorrian, said: "It is two years since we last saw our beautiful daughter Lisa. They have been two long and hard years, which have taken their toll on all our family. We were never given the chance to say goodbye to Lisa.”

Police believe Lisa's body was moved out to sea some months after she was murdered. They are looking to find new forensic opportunities, nationally and internationally, to progress the investigation. A number of scenes have been retained to allow every scientific and forensic opportunity to be exploited.

DCI Wright added: "I would also appeal to people in the sailing or boating community to come forward if they have any knowledge about a distinctive boat, a red Skeeter 550, and its movements over the last week in July and first week in August 2005.

People are asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(JM/SP)