The discovery of a car that could be linked to long-term missing man James Patterson brings hope for answers after 29 years.
On Sunday, a PSNI operation uncovered a Ford Orion in the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy, County Derry, after it was seen by local Community Search and Rescue on Saturday.
The vehicle is believed to be connected to the disappearance of James Patterson, who was last seen in the Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, in 1991.
Local politicians have said that they hope that the discovery of the car will finally give his family answers after 29 years.
UUP councillor Derek McKinney, said: “I knew James’ brother and he told me before he passed that he was a quiet man who would keep himself to himself. He said that he would think about his brother every night wondering where he had gone.
“I hope this investigation will be able to give his family some answers after all of these years.”
DUP councillor Anne Forde said: “It is certainly interesting that this car has been found that is seemingly linked to James who went missing 29 years ago.
"That is a long time to surpass for this to be found, as he is still a missing person and people are not sure what has happened to him.
“I hope the investigations are able to find out how or when the car has ended up in the river and we are able to get answers after all of these years.”
Once officers remove the car from the River Bann it will be taken away for further forensic investigations.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "A recovery operation is set to take place today, Sunday, July 19, after a vehicle was found in the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy.
"The Ford Orion, which was discovered by local Community Search and Rescue on Saturday, July 18, is potentially linked to the long term missing person James Patterson who went missing in 1991.
"Once the vehicle has been removed from the water, it will be subject to forensic examinations."
