Missing vet's family meet searchers
The family of missing Irish vet Catherine Gowing have met police search teams on a visit to the scene where her burnt-out car was found in north Wales.
Ms Gowing, 37, was last seen on the evening of Friday October 12 at a supermarket near her home in New Brighton, Flintshire.
A 46-year-old man from Gynnedd, north Wales, has since been charged with her murder. The body of Ms Gowing, who is originally from Clonlee, Co Offaly, has not been found.
Her sister Emma Gowing arrived at the former quarry, in Alltami, with her husband Shay Maguire and spent around 20 minutes speaking with senior North Wales Police officers. Afterwards, they were taken by car to the spot where Ms Gowing's burnt-out Renault Clio was found last Friday. The family made no comment.
North Wales Police say they have devoted "extensive" resources to the search, including dog teams and underwater search officers. Further searches have also taken place at other locations in north Wales and in Cheshire, sources said.
Clive Sharp, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder and appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday, when he was remanded in custody until January 7 when he is due to enter his plea.
A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "Emma Gowing and Mr Maguire met chief inspector Dave Roome, the search co-ordinator, and over 30 specialist search team officers from North Wales and Cheshire Police."
In a statement issued by police, the couple, who marked their wedding anniversary today, said: "This morning we had the opportunity to meet with some of the excellent search teams from North Wales and Cheshire who are searching for our Catherine. They are a group of determined individuals working hard to reunite us with Catherine. We are so grateful for their positive attitudes and commitment."
"Thank you all. Knowing that the church in Buckley, Our lady of the Rosary, held a prayer service today has helped re-enforce our hope and strength. Today is our wedding anniversary and Catherine was our maid of honour. We are desperate to find and bring her home."
Mr Roome added: "Emma and Shay's presence this morning has had a real impact upon us all. They thanked all the officers for their courage and determination and their visit and kind words have been an inspiration to us all."
