Police get extra time to quiz man after drowning incident

At the time of going to press yesterday (Monday), a 26 year-old man, who was also arrested, remained in custody after police were granted a 36-hour extension to continue questioning him.

The deceased is 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.

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

The body of a man was recovered from the river on Sunday afternoon.

North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay said: “This incident, whatever the circumstances, is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young man.

“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.”

Also extending his sympathy to the family, SDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan said: “Whatever the exact circumstances, this was an unnecessary death and the family deserve our support at this sad time. I know that they were by the river bank for a long period during the search and we can imagine their distraught state as the events unfolded.”

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing. Police said they want to speak to a group of men who were in the area when the incident took place and were seen leaving in a red coloured car shortly afterwards.

Police are also appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Bann Road Bridge on Saturday evening around 6pm and saw anything to contact Detectives in Coleraine on 0845 600 8000.

Or if someone would like to pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.