Tina Satchwell: Remains found after man released over missing woman's murder

12 October 2023 , 14:41

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Tina Satchwell was 45 when she vanished from her home in Youghal, Ireland, in March 2017 (Image: PA)

Skeletal remains have been uncovered at the country home of missing Tina Satchwell.

Ms Satchwell was 45 when she vanished from her home in Youghal, Ireland, in March 2017. The investigation into her disappearance has remained ongoing for the past six-and-a-half years.

It is understood Gardai uncovered the remains on Wednesday and a man has been arrested. It is part of a major search operation that was launched at the property on Tuesday, when a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released without charge.

Mrs Satchwell's husband Richard Satchwell made an emotional appeal to trace her three months after her disappearance

Heavy machinery, including a digger, was taken on to the site of the property where the search was focused and a large screen was erected around the building and grounds. Forensic officers from the Garda Technical Bureau have been working on the site.

Ms Satchwell disappeared from her home on March 20, 2017. Speaking at the time, her family said her unknown whereabouts was completely out of character and urged her to come home.

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Heavy machinery, including a digger, was taken on to the site of the property where the search was focused (PA)

Three months later, her devastated husband Richard Satchwell made an emotional appeal to trace her. "Tina come home," he said. "There's nobody mad at you. My arms are open. The pets are missing you. I just can't go on not knowing. Even if you just ring the guards, let people know that you're alright."

Mr Satchwell recalled kissing his wife goodbye at their home on Grattan Street before leaving to go shopping in Aldi in Dungarvan. When he returned, he said he expected to see her in the front room watching television. Instead, their two dogs Ruby and Heidi were alone in the house and he assumed she had gone for a walk.

Forensic officers from the Garda Technical Bureau have also been working at the site (PA)

He said he also noticed two suitcases were missing from the house and four days after she was last seen, and after talking to relatives, she was reported missing to the Gardai.

Mrs Satchwell was described as 5ft 6in tall, of medium build with blonde shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. Other relatives, some of whom made an appeal for information on her whereabouts last week, described her as a striking character and well known in Youghal for her personal sense of style.

Laura Sharman