Arlene Arkinson’s family ‘devastated’ after Donegal search ends

Numerous searches have been carried out over the years, but the teenager’s body has never been found.

The family’s solicitor Des Doherty said the latest search had been prompted by new information given to Irish police.

“To witness Arlene’s sister Kathleen, who has fought this case for so many years, pouring holy water on the ground thinking that this was perhaps the place where Arlene was – it was very emotional,” he said.

Mr Doherty has submitted a fresh appeal to Stormont’s justice minister Naomi Long urging her to grant a public inquiry into the case.

“There’s no other alternative in this case. Our own legal system here in the North has let the Arkinson family down. That has to be corrected,” he said.