Body found in Maghera during search for high-risk missing man Lee Johnston

A body has been found in Maghera during searches for high-risk missing person Lee Johnston.

Officers remained at the scene late last night.

Earlier in the day police gave an update on the criminal investigation, and renewed an appeal over the 21 year old’s disappearance.

Mr Johnston was last seen on Saturday the 7th of October, and was reported missing on Friday the 13th.

Police yesterday said they were keeping an “open mind” over the circumstances of his disappearance.

Speaking at a press conference Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Michael O’Loan outlined Mr Johnston’s last known movements.

He said, " I know he was last seen on Saturday, October 7th.”

“At 4pm we believe his was in the Mullagh Park area of Maghera.”

“We then have a confirmed sighting of him in a supermarket on the Orritor Road in Cookstown at approximately 4.52pm. CCTV shows him in the store and going through a checkout.”

“We now have a new confirmed sighting of him in the area of Dunmore Crescent Cookstown at 5:24pm.”

A man and woman who had been arrested in connection with the investigation were released on bail.

A PSNI statement last night said, "Police searching for missing person Lee Johnston have located the body of a man in the Maghera area."

"Officers remain at the scene. More details will follow in due course. "

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