Man arrested in relation to Tina Satchwell killing is released without charge

Gardaí are continuing to search a house in Youghal

Gardaí moving a digger in to the side of the house that they are searching in Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

The man held by gardaí in relation to the murder of Tina Satchwell has been released without charge this evening.

Gardaí are continuing to search a house in Grattan Street in Youghal. That search, which has involved sniffer dogs, and scenes of crime examiners equipped with chainsaws, jackhammers, shovels, pickaxes, and other digging tools, began last night.

Heavy machinery being used by gardai, parked near to a property being searched in the case of missing Co Cork woman Tina Satchwell. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The man in his 50s had been held on suspicion of murder after being arrested on Tuesday evening but at around 5pm gardaí confirmed he had been released without charge. It is understood he left Cobh garda station where he had been questioned, in the company of his solicitor.

Tina Satchwell went missing from her home in March 2017.

Her husband, Richard Satchwell, had told gardaí that he brought his wife breakfast and then left to go shopping at a local supermarket in Youghal.

He said that, when he returned two hours later, Ms Satchwell had vanished.

Tina Satchwell, 47, who disappeared in 2017. Picture: Garda Info

The case was treated as a missing person for more than six years but was recently reclassified as a murder investigation.

Gardaí have followed more than 400 lines of inquiry over the last six and a half years and took witness statements from over 170 people.

A 12-day search of 40 acres of woodlands in Castlemartyr was also carried out in March 2018 but failed to find any trace of Ms Satchwell.

Shortly after the Garda Technical Bureau sealed off the house on Tuesday, crowds of onlookers gathered near the property.

Gardaí outside the house being searched in Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Chief Superintendent Vincent O’Sullivan appealed for members of the public to come forward with any information they might have.

“Even with the passage of time, we will talk to anyone who has any information. Do not assume we know it already,” he said.

Gardaí continue to appeal for anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation to contact Midleton Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666111 or any Garda Station.