Body found in hunt for missing vet Catherine Gowing

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A body has been recovered by search teams involved in the hunt for missing Irish vet Catherine Gowing.

Ms Gowing, 37, was last seen on the evening of Friday October 12 at a supermarket near her home in New Brighton, Flintshire, north Wales.

A 46-year old man from Gynnedd, north Wales, has since been charged with her murder.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "Following information received by members of the public, recent searches have focused on fields in Manor Road, Sealand. Yesterday search team officers discovered human remains in a shallow pool within the field known locally as the Lum.

"At this time, those remains have yet to be formally identified as this will require medical as well as forensic examination. A post-mortem is planned for later today.

"At this time we are not able to comment further. However, Catherine Gowing's family have been informed of this distressing development and clearly our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

"I would ask that they be allowed privacy to come to terms with this news."

Ms Gowing, who is originally from Clonlee, Co Offaly, in the Irish Republic, had worked at Evans Veterinary Practice in Mold for the last 18 months.

She was described by her sister Emma as a "beautiful person".

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Pierce said his investigation team continues to urge potential witnesses to come forward.

He said: "This development came about as the result of information from the local community, for which I am very grateful.

"However, I am once again asking for their assistance. The search for evidence relating to Catherine's disappearance continues and I am very eager to hear of any sightings of her Irish-registered Renault Clio 00D 99970 and Sharp's black Volvo S40 AG58 JHE since Friday October 12 and particularly in the Sealand area.

"In fact, I would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in fields in Manor Road, Sealand, to contact police on 101."

Clive Sharp, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder and was remanded in custody until January 7 when he is due to enter his plea.

PA