Second Search For Missing Airman Corrie McKeague Ends

Police have confirmed that they have finished the search for missing RAF serviceman Corrie McKeague, having found no trace of him.

Suffolk Police started a second search of an extended area of Cell 22 on October 23rd, as the data indicated this was the next most likely area where Corrie might be found.

However, in a police statement released today they confirmed:

“Police are content Corrie is not in the landfill areas which have now been searched.”

Though the inquiry team looking into Corrie’s disappearance say there are other possible locations where waste has been deposited from the area of Bury St Edmunds, they also state:

“There are no further realistic search opportunities at this time”

Suffolk Police said the investigation into Mr McKeague's disappearance would remain open.

Nicola Urquhart spoke to Forces News today, she described today as a 'positive day' in the search and praised the support of service personnel

In the statement issued by Suffolk police, they stand by their theory that Corrie has ended up in the landfill.

This is a theory which was endorsed by a review of the investigation undertaken by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU).

Following the conclusion the latest search of the landfill, Corrie's mother Nicola Urquhart has released a statement that reads: 

"This is the first time in this investigation I have been updated and completely agree that nothing else can be done in relation to searching cell 22. 

"The search team have carried out an extremely physical and emotional task... 

"I know how hard they tried to find Corrie and we will never be able to thank them enough for their efforts". 

A statement from Corrie's whole family can be seen below: 

Corrie was last seen at 3.24am on September 24, 2016, on Brentgovel Street, Bury St Edmunds.

The 23-year-old, who was with 2 Sqn, RAF Regiment, based at Honington, was going to meet some friends on Friday but had been left behind after a misunderstanding.

He drove himself into town to meet them and, after entering a few different bars, they went to the Flex nightclub.

At around 1.00 am he was escorted out of the club by the doorman after he reportedly agreed to “leave amicably”.

He then went to a takeaway place without his friends and was seen by a CCTV camera eating his food. 

He appeared unsteady, on the corner of Brentgovel Street and St Andrew’s Street, in the “horseshoe” area of the town.

Corrie took a nap for around two hours in a doorway of an electrical store before another CCTV camera recorded him walking in Brentgovel Street at 3.25 am.

RAF Honington reported their airman was missing at 11.30 am the following Monday when he didn’t turn up for a parade.

On October 4th, it was revealed that his mobile phone had been tracked moving 12 miles away to Barton Mills just hours after he was last seen.

It followed the route of the bin lorry which was later searched with no trace of Corrie, leading to the conclusion that he may have ended up in the landfill site. 

Suffolk Police continued their search, and it was later determined that Corrie could not have left the area on foot without being picked up by the town’s CCTV.

After ending the initial landfill search, the police later announced that they had been searching the wrong part of the site.

A new search, this time of cell 22, was later announced- this search has now come to a close.