A man appears in court in Ballymena after suspected human remains were found on Sunday.
Image source, PA MediaA 26-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in County Antrim.
Brandon John Rainey of James Street, Ballymena, was charged with murdering Ms Mitchell between 2 and 5 June this year.
Ms Mitchell was last seen in the County Antrim town on the night of 2 June and into the early hours of 3 June.
A huge search operation got under way and, on Sunday, suspected human remains were found.
These have not been formally identified. At that stage, a murder investigation was launched.
‘Worked in hope’
Earlier on Monday, North Antrim MP Ian Paisley told BBC News NI’s Good Morning Ulster programme that Chloe Mitchell’s death was an “absolute tragedy”.
“There is a terrible shadow over the town – the sadness is palpable,” he said.
Mr Paisley paid tribute to the teams of people – both professionals and volunteers – saying that they showed “great courage and bravery”.
“They were just brilliant; they worked in very hot weather through river beds and through difficult terrain.
“It shows the community spirit. No-one wanted to hear that awful news that emerged and the sadness that is there. They worked in hope, but unfortunately that has been put aside now.”
The Ballymena community worked alongside the Community Rescue Service (CRS) last week searching along the banks of the Braid River as well as in the water.
Surrounding parklands and the Ecos centre were also searched.
A prayer vigil for the missing woman was held at Harryville Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening.
Image source, Pacemaker