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PRIVACY

Body of man missing for almost 30 years found inside car in river

James Patterson's remains were found following the recovery of a car from the River Bann in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland, last month

Emergency workers pulled the Ford Orion from the river bed(PA)

The body of a man who went missing nearly 30 years ago has been recovered from a car found in a river in Northern Ireland.

James Patterson disappeared on October 6 1991. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Police officers and other emergency services extracted the vehicle from the River Bann in Bellaghy last month.

A PSNI statement said: "Police can confirm human remains were found following the recovery of a car from the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy last month.

"The vehicle was recovered from the river in July and following examination, it has been confirmed the human remains are those of James Patterson who went missing on 6th October 1991.

James Patterson(Police Handout)

"The family have been informed and request for privacy at this time."

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Patterson was last seen at Mid Ulster Hospital.

The Ford Orion was discovered by a local community search and rescue team carrying out planned searches in the area.

It was subjected to forensic examination.