A 40-year-old man has been arrested in the Newry area on suspicion of murdering 28-year-old Belfast woman Saoirse Smyth.
In December last year, police issued a missing person appeal for information on the whereabouts of Saoirse.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said the investigation into Saoirse’s disappearance has progressed and while keeping an open mind, police now believe that the potential exists for Saoirse to have sadly been murdered.
Saoirse was seen in the Belfast area in April 2017. She had very distinctive red hair and has not had any contact with her family or friends during this period.
Saoirse also hasn’t responded to any of her family’s pleas on social media. This along, with other information obtained during the investigation now leads police to believe that Saoirse may have been murdered.
Saoirse’s last movements in April 2017 can be traced to Omeath, where she was living at that time.
“We are working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and an address is Omeath is currently being searched in connection with Saoirse’s disappearance.
“A 40-year-old man was arrested by the PSNI yesterday evening in the Newry area on suspicion of Saoirse’s murder. He remains in custody and is being questioned by detectives at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite,” said Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce.
Police are appealing for information about the circumstances leading to Saoirse’s disappearance.
“I have been in contact with her family who understandably have been left devastated and trained Police Family Liaison Officers are supporting the family at this very difficult time,” said the Detective Chief Inspector.
The family have asked the police to issue a statement on their behalf:
Somebody out there must know something about what has happened to Saoirse and we would plead with anyone who knows anything to contact the police – and Saoirse if you are out there, please contact your family and let us know you are okay.
Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who has seen Saoirse or who has contact with her since January 2017. Anyone with information about her disappearance should contact detectives at the incident room at Ladas Drive on 101.
