body found in Fellow Tyron believed to be that of missing teen Matthew McCallan, police said.
Matthew McCallan, 15, had been missing from the Dungannon area since the early hours of Sunday.
The remains were found shortly before noon on Monday in a ditch in the Fintona area – two miles from an event Matthew was attending that evening.
Tributes have poured in for the boy, who was described as “a young man full of potential, ready and eager to embark on his journey of life and work”.
Detective Michael Winters of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Our thoughts are very much with the devastated family of Matthew who received this tragic news today.
“A number of specially trained agents are currently supporting them.
“Detectives will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.
We are keeping an open mind and are calling on anyone with information to come forward
“Law enforcement received a missing person report shortly after 3:30am on Sunday, December 4 when Matthew failed to return home after attending an event in Fintona on Saturday night.
“Unfortunately, at 11:45am today, Monday, December 5, a body, which we believe is Matthew, was found in a ditch in the laneway of a property about two miles away from the social event.
“We are keeping our minds open and calling on anyone with information to come forward.
“Matthew was last seen at approximately 1:20 a.m. at the Ecclesville Center, Fintona, and we would like to determine his movements after this time.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw the teen or anyone who has CCTV or dash cam footage to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 319 dated 04/12/22.”
On Monday night, a tribute was paid to Matthew.
“We are so saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of our Year 12 student, Matthew McCallan,” St Patrick’s College said on Facebook.
“Today brought the worst possible outcome for the parents, family, friends and our school community – to have lost Matthew so tragically, we are just devastated.
“Matthew was a quiet lad, not overly confident – a young man still in his own skin.
“He was a young person who loved the practicalities of learning – he chose to study engineering, engineering and traffic engineering.
“There was nothing he liked more than being given the opportunity to develop his skills in the workshop. His father had just bought him a toolbox for Christmas – he would have loved it.
“Not only have we lost a member of our school community – the world has lost a young man full of potential, ready and excited to embark on his life and work journey.
Our thoughts are with Matthew’s mummy Frances and his dad Peter, he was the apple of their eye. They need our prayers now to cope in the coming days.”
Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O’Neill said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of young Matthew McCallan tonight.
“Heartbreaking and unimaginable news for his mum, dad and wider family and friends. I send you all our love.”
“This is terrible news. My thoughts are with Matthew’s family and friends at this very difficult time,” said UUP leader Doug Beattie.