Arrest made in search for missing 21-year-old Northern Ireland woman

Authorities in Northern Ireland are intensifying their search for Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman who has been missing for a week. Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in Ballymena town centre, County Antrim, on June 3. A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Lurgan, County Armagh, and is cooperating with the investigation. Mitchell is now considered a high-risk missing person, and her disappearance is described as “completely out of character.”

“I am appealing directly to Chloe to make contact with the police, family or friends so that we know you are safe and well,” said Mid and East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent Gillian Kearney. “I am also asking the public to contact us if they have seen Chloe.”

Search and rescue teams began searching for Mitchell around the River Braid on June 9. Police directed the teams to a section of the river in the Castle Gardens area of Ballymena that included an embankment with an 18ft drop. Community Rescue Service vehicles, including a specialist lowland search unit, attended the site at the River Braid.

Darren Harper, district commander for Community Rescue Service, said the search efforts have so far allowed them to eliminate some areas. “Today’s search is going to be just a continuation on from the search areas yesterday, just eliminating the areas that Chloe may not be in,” he said.

Ground teams have conducted searches in the areas around the river but also close to a property on James Street, near Mitchell’s last known whereabouts, which had been cordoned off by police. Harper added that the teams were still hoping to find Mitchell.

Community Rescue Service regional commander Sean McCarry announced that a search would begin on June 11 with around 35 people, with more expected to join throughout the day. Police were also active in the search, knocking on doors in the surrounding areas around the river and questioning residents about their presence and whether they had CCTV footage.

Independent councillor in Ballymena, Rodney Quigley, commended the search and rescue teams and local authorities for their collective work in the search operation. However, he advised citizens not to lend an ear to hearsay and rumours circulating about the case. “I know she was a local girl, and she’s been missing a week now, which is very concerning, but nobody seems to have seen or heard tell of her anywhere and I’ve been speaking to quite a few people,” he said.

Community groups in Ballymena also carried out searches for the missing young woman on June 10, including the Harryville Residents Association and Ballykeel and District Community Association.