Family of missing Lisa Dorrian issue renewed appeal

By Maria McCann

Lisa Dorrian's family has made a heartfelt plea to try and recover the 25 year old's body. 

The Bangor woman was last seen twelve years ago after a party at a caravan site in Ballyhalbert. 

Presumed murdered, police have conducted hundreds of searches and arrested at least eight suspects in the case. 

Lisa’s sister Joanne said: “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.

Today is the 12th anniversary of the disappearance of Lisa Dorrian. Watch this heartfelt appeal from her family https://t.co/AQusOgdPCI

— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 28, 2017

"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.

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

Her mother Pat, died last year at the age of 59 after years of campaigning to recover a body. 

Joanne Dorrian said: “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.

“Two weeks ago we lost our nanny, Lisa's nanny. One of the last things she said to me as she was leaving this earth was that Lisa was at the end of her bed and was waiting with her.

"Our nanny and mum now have the answers we are trying to find. But you can help us find Lisa in this life, not the next.” 

The investigation into Lisa’s disappearance and murder has been substantial. It has involved:

• The identification of more than 4,000 witnesses
• Taking 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.

Lisa’s father John added: “My daughter Lisa deserves to be found and laid to rest with her mum. We all think of Lisa every day. I'm sure you do too. Just tell us where she is.

"It's never too late to tell us. A place is all we need. Please help yourself by easing your conscience. Tell us where Lisa is.” he said.

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.”

Today it's 12 years since the disappearance of Lisa Dorrian. If you have any info contact Crimestoppers : 0800555111 pic.twitter.com/8THfv23gvA

— Cllr Peter Martin (@petermartindup) February 28, 2017

Anyone with information should 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.