The body found in a lake is that of Comber murder victim Pat McCormick, police have confirmed.
His body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon in the Ballygowan area.
Mr McCormick was last seen walking down Castle Street, in Comber, at around 10.45pm on Thursday May 30.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery has appealed for help in tracing the whereabouts of a blue Ford Transit van with the registration JLZ 1672.
On May 30 at approximately 11:30pm heading country bound on the Killinchy Road. Did you see this distinctive van with the silver front wings? Where did it go?
On May 31 at around 8.15am in the rear car park of Supervalu – did you see the van parked up here? Did you see the driver? Did you see anyone at the van or any activity at the van? Later on at around 10:15am did you see it on the Killinchy Road heading in the direction of Lisbane? Did you see where it went?
And later that day at around 2pm did you see it travelling on the Old Ballygowan Road in Comber?
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Pat’s family as they come to terms with this news. We have carried out 38 searches over the past number of weeks and interviewed 235 witnesses in order to find Pat and while finding his body brings an end to some of the distress for his family, they now want those responsible brought to justice.”
The family has also issued a statement.
The last six weeks have been devastating for his parents, brothers, wife and his beautiful four children. However, we are grateful to now have Pat home for our final goodbyes and burial. A massive thank you to everyone for their support and prayers, especially the public of Comber. As a family in mourning, we would now ask for privacy. We know that the PSNI are doing everything they can for us and Pat to get justice.
Pat’s wife Alison added: “I would like to thank the Comber community for all their help and information they have given police to help recover Pat. Myself and his four children are truly thankful.”
Detective Chief Inspector Montgomery said Pat’s body has been recovered due to information received from the public.
“If you forwarded the information I would like to thank you and invite you to speak with me directly in order to get justice for Pat and the whole McCormick family. The number to call is 101,” he added.