A body has been found during the search for a Co Armagh man who had been missing for more than six weeks.
Andrew Robinson, originally from Portadown and aged in his 50s, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday, November 15, reports The Mirror.
His car was later located in the Portadown area near the River Bann, with search and rescue teams spending the past 42 days looking for him in efforts to reunite him with his devastated family.
On Saturday, a man’s body was discovered as part of the search operation, and Andrew’s family were informed, reports The Mirror.
The Community Rescue Service Belfast, which was involved in the search, confirmed the development in a social media post: “Yet more sad news. Over the past six weeks CRS had been deployed on a daily basis to the Portadown area to an ongoing search alongside our NISAR colleagues from Lough Neagh Rescue. Searches were also conducted by NISAR colleagues from, PSNI Sky Watch NI, Search & Rescue Dog Association – SARDA Ireland North and Foyle Search and Rescue, reports The Mirror.
“Searches were also conducted by teams from outside NI, local river users and other members of the public, reports The Mirror.
“We regret to inform you that earlier today a body believed to be that of the missing person, was located by a search team from RoI who traveled north to assist in the ongoing operation, reports The Mirror.
“The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased,” reports The Mirror.
Andrew’s wife, Elizabeth Ruth Robinson, later shared the news in a brief but emotional message, posting a photograph of her husband and writing: “My darling husband. We finally have you home.”
Local MP Carla Lockhart also offered her condolences to the family, saying they had endured a “nightmare” throughout the lengthy search, reports The Mirror.
The Upper Bann MP said: “Truly devastating for the Robinson family at this Christmas time. My thoughts and prayers are very much with them. They have lived for the last 42 days as a nightmare, and whilst there is a sense of relief they now know, the finality of all of this hits hard,” reports The Mirror.
“I have been liasing with both them and the police on an ongoing basis for the last month. Their resilience throughout all of this has been amazing. At least now they can put Andrew to rest. I want to thank all those who have helped in any way, especially all the search teams who were relentless in their search of Andrew. There were those who went over and above and the family know who they are. To Ruth and the boys, and the whole family you have been a credit to Andrew and never gave up hope. We will be remembering you in the days and weeks ahead,” reports The Mirror.
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