Catherine Gowing search: Human remains found

Police searching for a missing vet in Flintshire say they have found human remains in a shallow pool.

Irish-born Catherine Gowing, 37, disappeared on 12 October after she was seen leaving a supermarket in Queensferry.

Police confirmed human remains were found in a shallow pool after searches in fields off Manor Road, Sealand.

Clive Sharp, 46, has been charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody until 7 January.

A forensic examination of the remains has been carried out and acting north east Wales coroner John Gittins is expected to open an inquest.

The remains have yet to be formally identified.

Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Mark Pierce said: "Following information received by members of the public, recent searches have focused on fields in Manor Road, Sealand.

"Yesterday [Wednesday] search team officers discovered human remains in a shallow pool within the field known locally as the 'Lum'.

"At this time those remains have yet to be formally identified as this will require medical as well as forensic examination."

He said Miss Gowing's family had been informed of the development and "clearly our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time".

The vet has not been seen since approximately 20:40 BST on Friday, 12 October 2012 when she was sighted on CCTV leaving an Asda Supermarket.

A huge police search was launched which focused around a quarry, pools and woodland in Pinfold Lane, Alltami, where her burnt-out car was later discovered.

Last week, Miss Gowing's sister Emma, and brother-in-law Shay, met officers involved.

On Thursday, police thanked the public for their help in the inquiry and reappealed for more information.

Det Ch Insp Pierce said he was keen to hear of any sightings of Miss Gowing's Irish-registered Renault Clio (00D 99970) and Mr Sharp's black Volvo S40 (AG58 JHE) since 12 October and particularly in the Sealand area.

"In fact I would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in fields in Manor Road, Sealand to contact police on 101," he said.

Anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.