30 locations targeted inArlene search

Last August the PSNI said it would carry out 48 searches for the teenager who went missing after a night out in Bundoran almost two decades ago.

Since then the dog-driven search team has searched 18 locations in its bid to find Arlene.

This week the PSNI said it had resumed its operation to “recover the schoolgirl’s remains and progressing the investigation.” Thirty locations remained unsearched as the team set out on its fresh hunt.

“The sites to be covered in this phase of the search strategy have links to the overall investigation into Arlene’s disappearance and murder,” a spokesperson said.

“Searches will continue to be conducted on a planned roll-out, depending on weather conditions, availability of resources and operational commitments.” The 48 locations are all in the West Tyrone area.

A team of six officers working with a Victim Recovery dog and a handler are involved. The searches are driven by the dog and the abilities it has, hence large numbers of officers are not required.