[Niamh.]

Police have arrested a man on suspician of her murder. Not a good few weeks for Wales.



Wednesday October 17 2012
POLICE in Wales investigating the disappearance of an Irish woman have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

Catherine Gowing (38), originally from Clonlee, Clareen near Birr, Co Offaly, had been living and working in Wales since qualifying as a vet two years ago.

She was last seen alive by friends last Friday evening in the town of Mold, near New Brighton in Flintshire.

Police have confirmed that they have arrested a man on suspicion of murder and he is currently being questioned.

Investigators said they are anxious to trace a burgundy or purple coloured Renault Clio which has the Irish registration plate 00 D 99970.

Detective Superintendent John Hanson of North Wales Police said the 46-year-old man who has been arrested frequents the New Brighton area and is known to Ms Gowing.

Ms Gowling worked in Mold and lived in New Brighton for the past two years.

The policeman said: "The information which led us to arrest him forms part of our investigative strategy and it would be inappropriate for me to elaborate further at this time."

He went on: "Catherine failed to meet a weekend appointment and did not turn up for work on Monday morning.

"This is totally out of character for Catherine, who maintains regular contact with her family, friends and work colleagues."

Ms Gowing's sister Emma and brother-in-law Shay have travelled to North Wales.

They said: "The family are devastated with the news and will try and come to terms with Catherine's disappearance. She is the light of our family and we can't imagine that light's gone."

Her parents Maureen and John still live on the family farm near Clareen.

- Breda Heffernan
http://www.independent.ie/national-n...r-3263353.html