Map could help find bodies of 'Disappeared' victim

Experts searching for the body of one of the IRA's victims have received a map which could provide vital clues, it was revealed today.

There was renewed optimism in the hunt for the remains of Charlie Armstrong, 57, who disappeared from his home in Co Armagh in August 1981.

The fresh information was sent anonymously and indicated a previously unsearched area of the borderland in Co Monaghan where the victim could be buried.

Mr Armstrong's daughter Anna McShane said it was important the sender contacted the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

"I would appeal, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my mother Kathleen, for the person who sent the map to contact the Commission," she said.

"All we want is to bring daddy home for the last time, give him a Christian burial and let us have a grave to visit and grieve."

The father-of-five from Crossmaglen went missing on his way to Mass. He is one of "The Disappeared" who is believed to have been murdered by the IRA and secretly buried during the conflict.

Ms McShane added: "It's difficult to keep your feelings in check because being one of the families of the disappeared, is like being on an emotional roller coaster.

"On the one hand this could be the breakthrough we've been praying for over the years and on the other it could lead to further heartbreak."

Several locations have already been searched near Carrickmacross, not far from the border with the North.

A spokesman for the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains said: "This potentially could be the breakthrough we've been desperately hoping for in our search for the remains of Charlie Armstrong."

This is the third map which has been received on the case and investigators are taking the new material seriously. They want the person who sent it to contact them in confidence either directly or indirectly.

The Commission representative added: "We have always believed that he is buried in a bogland area in Colgah, Co Monaghan but unfortunately, searches including one undertaken by the Commission last summer, have been unsuccessful.

"This new information is potentially significant. It is crucially important that we speak to the person who has sent the map.

"We believe we could be close to finding Charlie Armstrong's remains and a conversation with the person who sent this map, could provide that vital, final piece of information we need."

The Disappeared confidential telephone number is 00800-55585500.