Police searching for missing Co Tyrone man find remains in reservoir

Police investigating the disappearance and murder of Damien Heagney (47) have recovered suspected human remains from the Cappagh Reservoir area in Co Tyrone.

The suspected remains have been taken away for examination, and inquiries are ongoing, police said. Specialist officers, divers and dogs performed a search of the reservoir area on Wednesday.

Police received a report that Mr Heagney, from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, was missing on July 19th last and established that he was last seen on New Year’s Eve. Mr Heagney’s pet Rottweiler dog is also missing, the PSNI said.

A £20,000 reward has been offered by the Crimestoppers charity for information about Mr Heagney’s disappearance and murder.

Making an appeal for information on Wednesday, Det Chief Insp Rachel Wilson said police had, with support from specialist colleagues, to date searched three residential properties in the Tyrone area as part of the investigation.

She said a number of items were taken away for further examination.

A 50-year-old man was arrested last weekend on suspicion of Mr Heagney’s murder. He was later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Ms Wilson added: “I want to make the following appeal. Damien was last seen in the Dromore area in the early hours of December 31st. I want to appeal to anyone who saw Damien at any stage to contact us.

“We have recovered his vehicle, a grey BMW FX6 6JXR which is currently being examined We have also identified another vehicle of interest, a white Citroen Berlingo van, registration number LM58 UVW.

“We know that the Citroen van travelled in the Tyrone and Fermanagh areas between Friday December 31st and Friday January 7th. I would like to hear from anyone who saw this van during that time period.

“Finally, Damien’s dog Tyson, a three-year old black-coloured Rottweiler crossbreed, which was wearing a red-coloured collar, is also missing.

“I would appeal for anyone who has any information surrounding Damien’s disappearance and murder to contact Major Investigation Team detectives on 101 quoting reference 1058 of 19/07/22.” - PA