'Dark secret' held over Caroline murder

The senior police officer leading the investigation says "a very dark secret" is being held by the locals which if revealed, could help them catch the 19-year-old's killer and find her body.

Caroline, who was originally from Newry, was living in Hanover Street in the town with her boyfriend at the time of her disappearance in April 1989.

Search activity has been conducted in the Carleton Street area over the past number of weeks for the remains.

However, on Thursday, a police statement said that "nothing of significance has been found."

The latest searches on the street have been suspended as a result.

A range of specialist resources - including body recovery dogs, structural engineers and an underwater search team - were deployed during the searches which initially began at nearby waste ground.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Crawford said: "We believe there is more than one person who knows exactly where Caroline is buried.

"They are holding a very dark secret."

He said that the police need these people to come forward and tell them exactly what information they have.

"Whoever is responsible for Caroline's murder has spoken to people and they know exactly what has happened to Caroline," DCI Crawford added.

"I would ask everyone to think about what is at stake here. We are working to recover a young woman's remains so that her family can give her a Christian burial and her killer can be brought to justice.

"We really need to know what building work was being done in April 1989 in Carleton Street. We believe Caroline's body was dumped in an existing hole, that it was covered over and possibly later topped with concrete.

"Even if you think that what you know is only rumour or chat, we need to hear it.

"Please don't assume that police know. Don't think your information is not relevant or significant - it might be. Let us decide."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 075 8522 8283.