Man charged with murder of Chloe Mitchell

A 26-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Co Antrim woman Chloe Mitchell.

Another 34-year-old man has also been charged with assisting offenders.

Both men are due to appear in Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Monday 12 June.

Police launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell and confirmed on Sunday evening that suspected human remains had been found in Ballymena, although no formal identification had taken place.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar said: “Sadly today detectives have recovered suspected human remains in Ballymena, and while there has been no formal identification, we have now launched a murder enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, who was a high risk missing person.

“Earlier this week we launched a criminal investigation into Chloe’s disappearance. Tragically, we now have reason to believe that Chloe was murdered.

“Our thoughts this evening are very much with Chloe’s family and we have specialist officers providing them with support at this heart-breaking time.

“I would like to thank the community in Ballymena and the Search and Rescue teams for their help in trying to find Chloe.

Members of the Community Rescue Service (CRS) had assisted police in the major search operation in Ballymena.

In a statement on Sunday night, the volunteer-based organisation said: "The CRS would like to thank the people of Ballymena, those who live and work in the Harryville area and especially Chloe's family and friends for their exceptional support during our operations."

Chloe was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre.

On Wednesday police launched an appeal and a search operation around Harryville began.

She was later deemed a "high risk missing person".

A flat in the James Street area of Ballymena was cordoned off and examined by officers.

On Sunday a community prayer for Chloe and her family took place at Harryville Presbyterian Church.

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