In a significant development in a long-standing cold case, a 40-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder, more than two decades after the disappearance of 25-year-old Lisa Dorrian from a party in Northern Ireland.
Arrests Made Decades After Disappearance
Lisa Dorrian vanished on the night of February 27, 2005, from a gathering at Ballyhalbert Caravan Park in County Down. Detectives strongly believe she was murdered shortly after her disappearance, yet her body has never been found despite extensive searches and persistent campaigning by her devastated family.
Recent Arrests and Charges
The woman was arrested today in Bangor, County Down, approximately 13 miles from the caravan park, almost exactly 21 years after Ms Dorrian went missing. She is suspected not only of murder but also of assisting offenders, withholding information, and preventing a lawful and decent burial. She remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Simultaneously, the 42-year-old man was arrested in Scotland under the same suspicions, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) receiving support from Police Scotland and Cross-Border Transit Officers. This coordinated effort highlights the ongoing commitment to solving this case.
Detective's Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman emphasized the timing of the arrests, stating, 'The arrest comes just days before the 21st anniversary of Lisa's disappearance and murder.' She reiterated that Lisa was last seen alive on February 27, 2005, in Ballyhalbert, and it is believed she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.
'We remain determined to provide justice for Lisa's family,' DCI Foreman added, appealing to the public for any information regarding the disappearance and murder to contact detectives on 101.
Family's Heartbreak and Previous Investigations
Lisa's sister, Joanne Dorrian, has spoken out about the family's enduring pain. On the 20th anniversary of Lisa's disappearance, she revealed that their mother had passed away 'never knowing what happened to her beautiful first-born daughter.' Joanne added, 'Our family has never been the same since the day we got the news that Lisa went missing.'
In a renewed appeal last year, on the 20th anniversary, detectives released CCTV footage showing Lisa entering the Saltwater Brig pub in County Down on the afternoon of February 26, 2005. This footage was part of efforts to jog memories and gather new leads.
Previous Arrest and Ongoing Efforts
This is not the first arrest in connection with the case. In December last year, a 68-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Ms Dorrian's murder, along with charges of assisting offenders, withholding information, and preventing a burial. The recent arrests indicate that the investigation remains active and determined to uncover the truth.
The PSNI continues to work tirelessly, with DCI Foreman underscoring the resolve to bring closure to Lisa's family. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of unsolved crimes on loved ones and the relentless pursuit of justice in Northern Ireland.
