Grisly discovery in mountains

September 2008

REMAINS found in a remote area a few kilometres from Lacken are most likely those of missing man Daniel Mcllhone who disappeared in Belfast back in 1981.

On Saturday what looked to be human remains were uncovered as part of a search coordinated by the Independent Commission on the Location of Victims’ Remains.

Part of a foot, a sock, and a boot were discovered during the dig at Ballynultagh. DNA and other tests were carried out to identify the remains and confirm that they are human.

The area where the remains were found is made up of rugged mountainous terrain with a one track road leading to the scene.

Searches for the body of Mr. Mcllhone began in 1999 after the IRA admitted in a statement that it had taken him in for questioning in 1981.

The Irish and English Governments ordered a review of the searches in 2005 and also sought the assistance of a forensic expert who had been involved in the notorious Moors murders in the UK.

A series of digs have already taken place over the past two years, including two searches in much the same area which failed to uncover any remains. There have long been strong rumours that the bodies of IRA victims are buried in some of the remote locations spread across the west of the county.