Fresh search for body of Lisa Dorrian

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch began a search of land at Newtownards Road outside Comber as a result of new information being provided to the investigation team about the disappearance of Lisa Dorrian.

It is believed searches were carried out in the same area in 2012, but that a different section of land is now being focused on.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway, said: “We will be deploying a significant range and amount of resources over the next few days. These will include search teams, body recovery dogs and ground probes. Other equipment and experts are available, if required.

“Lisa’s family are being kept fully informed about our inquiries. The search may yield nothing but we feel it is appropriate to act on this new information.”

The 25-year-old from Bangor disappeared after a party at a caravan site in Ballyhalbert on February 28 2005.

Police believe she was murdered.

DCI Galloway said: “This is the latest search in an extensive investigative programme and demonstrates our commitment to act on information which has been provided to us by someone who is not interested in publicity.

“Our inquiries will continue and I would again appeal to the small group of individuals who know what happened to Lisa to tell us precisely what they know before we come to them.”