Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE WON’T GIVE UP ON FINDING LOST SAOIRSE
PSNI hunt for 28yr-old missing for 576 days
POLICE say they “will not give up investigating” the mysterious disappearance of a woman they fear has been murdered.
Saoirse Smyth was 28 when she vanished without a trace from Belfast 576 days ago.
She often commuted back and forth from the city to Omeath, Co Louth, where she had been living.
Saoirse travelled through Newry, using a number of local taxis.
In behaviour described as “very unusual”, she has not been in contact with her family since last April. Now the PSNI is redoubling its efforts to find her.
Detectives yesterday focused on Newry, carrying out inquiries and putting up posters.
Det Chief Insp Geoffrey Boyce said: “It has been 575 days since Saoirse Smyth was last seen on April 11, 2017, and the 28-year-old’s family have been left devastated by her disappearance.
“Saoirse had very distinctive red hair and was seen in Belfast on the day she disappeared.
“I believe that later that day, she then returned to Omeath where she was living at the time.
“To this day Saoirse has not had any contact with her friends or family since the day she disappeared, including on birthdays and Christmases.
“This is very unusual for Saoirse and, while we are keeping an open mind, we believe she may have been murdered.
“We believe someone in the local area may have information about Saoirse’s disappearance.”
In July, police announced they were launching a murder inquiry in relation to the young woman’s disappearance. A 40-year-old man was arrested but later released without charge.
Det Chief Insp Boyce added: “We will not give up investigating what happened to Saoirse and we are working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana.
“I am appealing for anyone who has any information about her disappearance to come forward.
“Saoirse was a daughter, sister and granddaughter and her family deserve to know what has happened to her.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact incident room detectives at Ladas Drive on 101 or +4428 9070 0355 if calling from the Republic.
Details can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
NEWRY YESTERDAY