NORTH WALES POLICE investigating the murder of Offaly woman Catherine Gowing are continuing to search for her remains.
Part of the Welsh-based vet’s remains have already been found in Sealand and the banks of the River Dee. Senior Investigating Officer DCI Mark Pierce said today:
“Whilst we are still receiving information about possible sightings of Catherine, the vehicles involved and Sharpe we will continue in our endeavours. Searches will continue whilst there are active lines of inquiry to pursue and that is why I am still appealing for further information and looking for further witnesses to come forward.
Sergeant Neil Parkes, North Wales Police search advisor, said the search for Catherine Gowing is the largest search operation conducted by North Wales Police.
The terrain thus far has been extremely challenging involving large areas of woodland, disused quarries, water courses, cess pits and other open areas. We are also searching houses and vehicles with each receiving its own sequential search sector.
He said that to date there have been over 30 individual search areas comprising over 90 separate search sectors.
In addition, ponds and lakes of various sizes, including the River Dee on the Cheshire border, have been searched by the North West Under Water Search Unit. Police and private sector dog handlers as well as the Force helicopter have been used.
To date there have been over 40 specially trained police officers working over a 25 day period. Approximately 15 officers are being deployed on a daily basis which, assisted by Cheshire Police providing a team of 20 officers for two weeks, adds up to a total of over 6250 search hours. This does not include air support and the under water search unit.
The searches are based in part on information and intelligence received from members of the public. Fresh information continues to generate further search areas for the police.
PS Parkes concluded:
Despite the scale, scope and very often difficult terrain the team have remained very positive and we are determined to do the best we can. The visit by Catherine’s family was very humbling and their inspiration and strength has been a real driving force for us.
DCI Pierce added that Catherine’s family are being fully updated with all developments. “Together with Sgt Parkes and a Family Liaison Officer Det Sgt Thomas we visited the family home in Co Offaly last Thursday and gave the extended family a comprehensive break down of the investigation.”
Emma [Catherine's sister] and her family are enormously grateful to the public of north Wales and asked me to convey their heart felt gratitude. They understand the importance of any information no matter how insignificant it may appear and are once more reaching out to local community for assistance
The police continue to appeal for any sightings of Catherine Gowing’s Irish registered Renault Clio 00D 99970 and Clive Sharp’s black Volvo S40 AG58 JHE since Friday 12 October and particularly in the Sealand and River Dee areas.
Catherine Gowing has not been seen since approximately 8.40pm on Friday 12 October 2012 when she was sighted on CCTV leaving Asda Supermarket in Queensferry. Since that time 46-year-old Clive Sharp has been charged with her murder.
Anyone with information about sightings or any suspicious activity in the Sealand area is asked to call North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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