Police make further arrest in Lisa Dorrian murder investigation

Lisa Dorrian, who was from Bangor, was last seen alive in February 2005

More than two decades after Lisa Dorrian vanished without trace, detectives investigating her disappearance and murder have made a further arrest as they continue their long-running search for answers.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team arrested a 48-year-old man in the Craigavon area earlier this morning, Thursday 5 March.

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

Lisa Dorrian, who was from Bangor, was last seen alive on the night of Sunday 27 February 2005 in Ballyhalbert. It is believed she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.

Despite the passage of 21 years, detectives say the investigation remains active and focused on securing justice for Lisa and her family.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said:

“Twenty-one years ago a loving family were robbed of their daughter and sister.

“Lisa, who was from Bangor, was last seen alive on the night of Sunday 27 February 2005 in Ballyhalbert. It’s believed she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we remain determined to provide answers, closure and justice.”

The arrest follows a series of developments in recent weeks as detectives continue to pursue new lines of enquiry.

A woman aged 40 and a man aged 42 were arrested on Wednesday 25 February on suspicion of murder, assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial. Both were later released on bail pending further enquiries.

A separate 40-year-old man arrested on Wednesday 4 March on suspicion of assisting offenders and withholding information was also later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detectives are continuing to appeal to the public for information that could help progress the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Even after more than two decades, investigators say the search for truth and accountability in the case remains firmly ongoing.

At a glance

• Detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of Lisa Dorrian have made a further arrest.

• A 48-year-old man was arrested in the Craigavon area on Thursday 5 March.

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

• Lisa Dorrian, from Bangor, was last seen in Ballyhalbert on 27 February 2005 and is believed to have been murdered that night or early the next morning.

• Police say the investigation remains active as they continue seeking answers for her family.

• Two people arrested on 25 February and another man arrested on 4 March have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

• Detectives continue to appeal for information from the public.