Exhumation to be conducted at Gwynedd cemetery as new information comes to light

The cemetery will be closed from 8am until 5pm on September 22 to facilitate a safe and respectful operation.

The exhumation is the latest in a series of similar operations held under Operation Orchid which is an investigation with the aim of identifying previously unidentified bodies found in North Wales between 1968 and 2001.

The investigation has so far identified three people who went missing between 1983 and 1994; Pauline Finlay, Joseph Dowley and Conor Whooley all of whom came from Ireland.

Their families have finally been given answers as to what happened to their loved ones.

Recent developments have provided a strong lead on a possible identity for the body of a man who was found on Aberdyfi beach on 28th December 1982.

If successful, a DNA profile will be gained from the exhumed remains. The profile will then be compared to DNA samples provided by the missing man’s family.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Don Kenyon said: “This operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to identify these people and provide their families the opportunity to grieve and conduct a funeral service in accordance with their faiths.

“From meeting with the relatives of missing people the importance and value of this work cannot be overstated, and I hope that this operation will allow another family to understand and come to terms with their loss”.

Steffan Jones, head of Gwynedd Council’s Highways and Municipal Department, added: “We have been working with North Wales Police to make the necessary arrangements at the council’s cemetery in Dolgellau.

“Whilst we recognise that there may be a temporary inconvenience on Wednesday, September 22 for those wishing to visit the cemetery, this is important work and we hope that it can bring peace to the family.”