Police probe after body recovered from river

The deceased is understood to be Owen McKeown from the Dunclug area of Ballymena.

The 21-year-old was reported to have entered the water at around 6pm on Saturday.

Canoeists on a stretch of river a quarter of a mile downstream from the Bann Road bridge in Kilrea spotted Mr McKeown but their attempts to rescue him failed.

He was reported to have disappeared under the water before volunteers from the Community Rescue Service (CRS) arrived at the scene.

One suspect, aged 26, is being questioned by officers investigating the incident and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed Mr McKeown entering the water – or who was in the area of the bridge at around 6pm – to come forward.

Two other men, aged 25 and 30, also quizzed in relation to the incident have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Scores of local people joined police and CRS volunteers in the search on Saturday night and when it resumed yesterday morning.

Sean McCarry from the CRS brought dozens of searchers to the river immediately after receiving the call from the PSNI.

“The call came through the police that there was a male in the water struggling but by the time we arrived he had disappeared under the water,” he said.

Mr McCarry added: “We started, along with police, a major search operation involving the police helicopter, three of our boats and 45 of our personnel.”

East Londonderry MLA John Dallat is a native of Kilrea and he visited the scene of the tragedy yesterday.

The SDLP representative said the deceased’s family had his utmost sympathy.

“My heart goes out to the family and I hope anyone with information brings it to the police without hesitation,” Mr Dallat said.

North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay said the community is in shock.

Mr McKay said: “This incident, whatever the circumstances, is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young man who sadly lost his life.

“Credit should be given to all the emergency services and volunteers involved in the recovery operation for their professionalism and hard work to recover the body.”

Mr McKay added: “There still is a lack of clarity as to what happened in this case and anyone who has information relating to this incident should bring that forward. It is also a sad reminder of how dangerous the River Bann is.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact detectives at Coleraine on 0845 600 8000, or the independent Crimestoppers charity