A body has been found in the search for missing man Barry Freeman this evening following an extensive search of the River Bann.
Barry, aged 44, was last seen on Thursday, December 22 shortly after 7.40 pm in the Circular Road / Strand Road area of Coleraine.
Police alongside colleagues from the Community Rescue Service (CRS) have been searching the local area for over a week.
The PSNI confirmed the tragic news, saying: “Police are no longer searching for missing person Barry Freeman, following the recovery of a body in the Coleraine area on Monday 2nd January.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”
A Facebook page titled ‘Bring our Barry Home’ was set up and this evening posted the following update.
“Folk’s unfortunately this evening we find ourselves having to bring this devastating news to you all.
“Reports have been confirmed that a body has been recovered from the river bann this evening. We are all devastated and this is certainly not the news that we had hoped for.
“We would ask you all to keep Barry’s friends and family in you’re prayers through the hard times that lie ahead.
“We would like to thank every one of you for your support throughout. We would also like to thank the CRS and the PSNI for their efforts and assistance,
“Killowen purple hero’s LOL 930 for the use of their facilities and ensuring all of the volunteers were looked after.
“Can we ask you all to keep the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the days that lie ahead.”
