Arrests in NI and Scotland as Lisa Dorrian murder investigation intensifies ahead of 21st anniversary

Pictured 25-year-old Lisa Dorrian who disappeared in February 2005

Nearly 21 years after 25-year-old Lisa Dorrian vanished, detectives have made two further arrests in a case that continues to cast a long shadow across Northern Ireland.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, investigating the disappearance and murder of Lisa Dorrian, confirmed that a 42-year-old man was arrested in Scotland earlier today, Wednesday 25 February.

He was detained on suspicion of murder, assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

A 40-year-old woman was also arrested earlier the same day in Bangor on suspicion of murder, assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

She remains in police custody at this time.

The developments come just days before the 21st anniversary of Lisa’s disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said:

“The arrest comes just days before the 21st anniversary of Lisa’s disappearance and murder.

“Lisa was last seen alive on the night of Sunday 27 February 2005 in Ballyhalbert in County Down, and we believe she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.

“We remain determined to provide justice for Lisa’s family, and I would appeal to anyone with information about her disappearance and murder to contact detectives on 101.”

In relation to the arrest in Scotland, Detective Chief Inspector Foreman acknowledged the support of Police Scotland, as well as the PSNI’s Cross-Border Transit Officers.

She added:

“It’s almost 21 years since Lisa’s disappearance and murder. That’s 21 years of torture for a loving family.

“I am keen to take every opportunity to encourage anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward.”

Lisa was last seen alive in Ballyhalbert on Sunday 27 February 2005. Detectives believe she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.

As the anniversary approaches, the renewed investigative activity signals that the case remains very much live. Detectives continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives can be contacted on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.