Human remains found in search for missing Troubles victim

Investigators searching for the body of a man believed to have been murdered by republican paramilitaries in the early years of Northern Ireland's Troubles have discovered human remains. Archaeologists and detectives had been carrying out a painstaking examination of the beach and foreshore near the village of Waterfoot in the Glens of Antrim for several days in the hope of finding the site where Peter Wilson's body was hidden. In a brief statement issued this afternoon, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains confirmed that "human remains" had been recovered during its examination of the area. "The recovery is ongoing and the formal identification process will take some time," the commission said. "The family of Mr Wilson and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been informed." Wilson, a Catholic who was 21 at the time and had learning difficulties, vanished after leaving his home in the Beechmount area of west Belfast in August 1973. Recovery of the remains is expected to take some time. Fifteen men and one woman disappeared during the Troubles and their families fear they were killed by the IRA and other republican groups. The families of those who died held a silent walk earlier today to highlight their continuing search for the bodies that have not yet been found. Among those who participated was Patricia Gearon, the sister of Peter Wilson, who carried a wreath and laid it in tribute on the steps of Parliament Buildings at Stormont. Anne Morgan, whose brother Seamus Ruddy is thought to be buried in France, said the silent walk was significant for the families. "We carry the symbolic black wreath with the white lilies which represents those who are still missing. Our walk at Stormont each year is a reminder that our plight is ongoing and that every effort needs to be made to bring our loved ones home for Christian burial."