Emotional family plea 12 years on from Lisa Dorrian's disappearance

The family of Lisa Dorrian have made an emotional appeal for information as to her whereabouts, on the 12th anniversary of her disappearance.

Lisa Dorrian has been missing for 12 years.
Published 28th Feb 2017
Last updated 28th Feb 2017

The 25-year-old went missing on 28 February 2005 and police believe she was murdered.

Her sisters Joanne and Michelle, as well as father John, have said they want her alleged killer to examine their conscience.

Lisa’s sister Joanne said: “Today we are making this video appeal as it’s been 12 years since our sister went missing.

"We know we have the support of the people in Northern Ireland, and in fact across the world, and we are so grateful for that but this appeal is specifically to the person who was with Lisa at the moment she died.

“We don't need to remind you how beautiful, funny and loving Lisa was, you know that because you knew her. She thought you were her friend. Lisa trusted you.

“Think back to that night, I'm sure it's not hard to do. It mustn't ever be far from your thoughts. Think about what happened when Lisa died, how you panicked and made a decision that would change your life and our lives forever.

"Then think of Lisa. Remember how she loved to laugh and have a good time. How she spoke of her dreams and plans for the future. The future she would never have after that night.

Searches were carried out last year in Co Down.

“Lisa was 25 when she died and went missing. She should now be 37.

“We lost our mum, Lisa's mum last year. She was only 59 and never ever got over losing Lisa.

"The thought of her daughter out there with no grave tortured her, as it must do you. We often say we never ever got over losing Lisa but our mum couldn't even function on a daily basis. We lost our mum and sister the day Lisa died."

To date, there have been:

  • The identification of more than 4,000 witnesses
  • Statements from 571 people.
  • 275 searches, 194 of them in caravans and outbuildings
  • Eight arrests on suspicion of murder and a number of others for unrelated drugs offences

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway from Serious Crime Branch, said: “For 12 years, Lisa’s family and friends have suffered intolerable grief.

"They cannot even begin to move on with their lives until her body is found. Sadly Lisa’s mother passed away last year without getting the answers she so badly wanted but the nightmare still goes on for Lisa’s father and three sisters.

"They continue to feel the pain and suffering of not knowing what happened to their loved one.

“This remains a live police investigation, but we need the public's help. We need you to tell us what you know.”

Anyone with information can call detectives on 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.