Police extend questioning in murder investigation

Police in Northern Ireland were tonight given an extra 36 hours to question a second man about the murder of Megan McAlorum.

Police said the extended period would end on Monday morning.

A woman detained in Co Antrim also remains in custody.

It was also revealed tonight that police have spent much of the day carrying out a forensic examination of a house in Summerhill Gardens in Dunmurry – not far from where the murdered girl was eventually found.

A police spokeswoman would not say what, if anything was found, but said the house would remain sealed off overnight for the search to continue tomorrow.

Meanwhile the family of the murdered girl expressed their thanks to the people of Northern Ireland for their support and co-operation with the murder investigation.

In a statement issued through the PSNI they said: “The McAlorum family would like to thank the community of west Belfast, the travelling community as well as the wider community of Northern Ireland for their support and co-operation into the investigation of the murder of their loved one Megan.

“The family would like to appeal to anyone who has any information , no matter how small they think it might be, to come forward to the police or clergy in order to assist with the investigation.”