Fresh Lead Emerges On Body Location

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR) has received what it considers to be a "potentially significant" new piece of information in its search to locate the remains of one of the 'disappeared'.

The Commission has received an anonymous map which indicates a previously unsearched area where it is claimed Charlie Armstrong is buried.

This is the third such map that has been received on this case and investigators are taking the new information very seriously.

It reaffirms their views on the general area in which the Crossmaglen man, who disappeared in August 1981, is buried.

After consulting with the Armstrong family, the Commission is appealing to the person who sent the map to contact them in confidence, either directly or indirectly.

"This potentially could be the breakthrough we've been desperately hoping for in our search for the remains of Charlie Armstrong," said a spokesman.

"We have always believed that he is buried in a bogland area in Colgah, Co Monaghan but unfortunately, searches including one undertaken by the Commission last summer, have been unsuccessful.

"This new information is potentially significant. It is crucially important that we speak to the person who has sent the map.

"We believe we could be close to finding Charlie Armstrong's remains and a conversation with the person who sent this map, could provide that vital, final piece of information we need.

"It's clear that there is someone out there who has significant information on where Charlie Armstrong is buried and wants to bring closure to the family who have suffered so much over the last 28 years," he continued, appealling to that person to come forward.

He said they can speak in confidence under the protections offered by the Commission so that, after all these years, it might be possible to return the remains of Charlie Armstrong to his family for a Christian burial.

Charlie Armstrong's daughter Anna McShane said it is important that the person who sent the map contacts the Commission: "It's difficult to keep your feelings in check because being one of the families of the disappeared, is like being on an emotional roller coaster.

"I would appeal, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my mother Kathleen, for the person who sent the map to contact the Commission.

"All we want is to bring daddy home for the last time, give him a Christian burial and let us have a grave to visit and grieve," she pleaded.

(BMcC/JM)