Fresh appeal in Saoirse Smyth murder probe
PSNI want anyone with any information to come forward
Last updated 6th Jul 2018
A PSNI detective involved with the Saoirse Smyth murder investigation has appealed for information about her last known movements.
Ms Smyth, 28, who is originally from west Belfast, was last seen in the city on April 11, 2017.
Her last known movements have been traced to Omeath, Co Louth where she was living at the time.
She had been reported missing since December 2017.
The PSNI announced on Thursday that they have launched a murder investigation into her disappearance.
A 40-year-old man was questioned by detectives on suspicion of Saoirse's murder. He has since been released on police bail.
Police also arrested a 48-year-old woman in June, and she was released on bail.
Detective Inspector Paul Rowland said at this stage it is a "fairly open investigation."
"There are several lines of investigation and that is the reason for this press appeal today, to try and bring that information forward, to see where Saoirse was living, who she was living with and all those details that are very important to the murder investigation,'' he said.
"Saoirse was last seen in the Belfast area on April 11, 2017, and I believe she returned to Omeath, where she was living at the time, later that day.
"She has very distinctive red hair and has not had any contact with her family or friends since then, including on significant dates such as her birthday and Christmas, and this is very unusual.
"Saoirse hasn't responded to any of her family's pleas on social media, this along with other information obtained during the police investigation, now leads me to believe that Saoirse may have been murdered.
"We are working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and an address in Omeath is currently being searched in connection with Saoirse's disappearance.
"I am appealing for information about the circumstances leading to Saoirse's disappearance.
"Her family deserve to know what has happened to her. She was a daughter, a sister and a grand daughter.
"I am particularly interested in speaking with anyone who has seen Saoirse or had contact with her since April 2017, and ask for anyone who has information to please call police with even any small detail.''
In a statement issued earlier this week, Ms Smyth's family also urged that anyone with information come forward to police.
"Somebody out there must know something about what has happened to Saoirse and we would plead with anyone who knows anything to contact the police - and Saoirse if you are out there, please contact your family and let us know you are okay.'"
Anyone with information about her disappearance should contact detectives at the incident room Ladas Drive on 101 or +4428 9065 0222 if you are calling from ROI.