Police confirm human remains found in Ballymena as Chloe Mitchell as identification process completed
POLICE have confirmed that human remains found in Ballymena earlier this month were those of Chloe Mitchell.
Ms Mitchell, 21, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in the Co town.
A huge search operation took place following her disappearance.
Detectives launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found on Sunday, June 11.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar said: "The identification process on human remains found in Ballymena on Sunday 11th June has now concluded and have been confirmed as those of Chloe Mitchell."
A huge search operation took place in the Co Antrim town following her disappearance.
Detectives launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found on Sunday, June 11.
Brandon John Rainey, 26, of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Ms Mitchell and is in custody.
Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, from Nursery Close, Ballymena has been charged with assisting an offender over the death of Ms Mitchell.
Vigils to remember Ms Mitchell have been held in her home town and in Belfast following her death.
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Hundreds of people have laid flowers and messages of love at a makeshift shrine close to where the young woman was last seen.
And her family recently told how they were touched by the outpouring of support from their community during a "heartbreaking" time of loss.
Chloe's uncle Billy McDowell visits the park every day to tidy the area up and read the tributes to his tragic niece.
'REAL COMFORT'
He said: "The tributes in this park have been a real comfort for us.
“There are strangers who are coming to the park and sitting here. They have maybe lost ones and are coming here to say their own prayers.
“We have loads of people who are coming down here and talking, which is good."
He added: “People have approached me and other members of the family here to offer their condolences and it is very heartwarming.”
Mr McDowell spoke of the support the family has seen by the surrounding community, who have been left shocked by the horrific tragedy.
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Chloe was the youngest of her family and is survived by her parents, two older sisters and two older brothers.
Mr Mitchell told how their beloved Chloe will always remain their hearts and will never be forgotten and added: "We will never get over this but we will do our best to stick by each other and help everyone through it."