OPERATION

Forensic exam set to take place

THE discovery of a car that could be linked to missing man James Patterson brings hope for answers to his family after 29 years.

Yesterday a PSNI operation uncovered a Ford Orion in the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy, Co Derry, after it was seen by local Community Search and Rescue teams on Saturday.

The vehicle is believed to be connected to the disappearance of James, who was last seen in the Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, in 1991.

UUP councillor Derek Mckinney said: “I knew James’ brother and he told me before he passed that he was a quiet man who would keep himself to himself.

“He said that he would think about his brother every night wondering where he had gone.

“I hope this investigation will be able to give his family some answers after all of these years.”

DUP councillor Anne Forde added: “It is certainly interesting that this car has been found that is seemingly linked

YESTERDAY

to James who went missing 29 years ago. That is a long time to surpass for this to be found, as he is still a missing person and people are not sure what has happened to him.

“I hope the investigations are able to find out how or when the car has ended up in the river and we are able to get answers after all of these years.”

Once officers remove the car from the River Bann it will be taken away by specialist teams for further forensic investigations to take place.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “A recovery operation is set to take place today after a vehicle was found in the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy.

“The Ford Orion, which was discovered by local Community Search and Rescue on Saturday, is potentially linked to the long-term missing person James Patterson who went missing in 1991.

“Once the vehicle has been removed from the water, it will be subject to forensic examinations.”

Search crew look for vehicle