Matthew McCallan: Police investigating death of teenager in Fintona
- Published
Matthew McCallan was reported missing after an event in Fintona
Police are investigating the circumstances of the death of a teenage boy in the Fintona area of County Tyrone.
Matthew McCallan, 15, was reported missing at 03:30 GMT on Sunday morning, when he did not arrive home from an event on Saturday night.
A body was discovered shortly before 12:00 GMT on Monday.
Matthew's mother paid tribute to those involved in the search for her son, who she said was "now an angel in heaven".
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Detective Inspector Michael Winters said: "A body, which we believe to be Matthew, was discovered in a ditch in the laneway of a property approximately two miles away from the social event."
He added: "Our thoughts are very much with Matthew's devastated family who received this tragic news today. A number of specially trained officers are providing support to them at this time.
"Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, which are currently being treated as unexplained."
'Twinkle in his eyes'
Matthew was last seen at approximately 01:20 GMT in the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona.
Tributes have been paid to the teenager and the volunteers who took part in the search effort.
Writing on social media, Matthew's mother Frances McCallan said: "To all the wonderful people who came out to help look for my beautiful son you were amazing, the community spirt was unbelievable. I can't thank you all enough.
"He is now a angel in heaven and is going to be miss so much by his mummy, daddy and loving family, sleep tight my darling."
In a Facebook post, St Patrick's College in Dungannon paid tribute to the Year 12 student.
It said: "He had a slow smile, that spread and lit up his face, then the twinkle hit his eyes.
"We have not just lost a member of our school community - the world has lost a young man full of potential, ready and eager to start out on his journey of life and work."
Dungannon councillor Barry Monteith told the 麻豆官网首页入口 that the body was discovered on Tattyreagh Road.
Independent councillor Barry Monteith described Matthew as a "good, quiet, young man"
He praised the "unbelievable... fantastic response" from the people of Fintona and beyond as they aided the search and rescue operation.
Mr Monteith described Matthew as a "good, quiet young man" who loved country music and played gaelic football with Dungannon Thomas Clarkes.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.