Menu
13/09/2001
New witnesses come forward in missing boys search
Police have said three witnesses have now come forward in their investigation into the disappearance of two Belfast boys 27 years ago.
The RUC said the “important” witnesses have enabled them establish that the boys - Thomas Spence, 11, and 13-year-old John Rogers - were seen together on the day they disappeared at a shop and a bus stop off the Falls Road in November 1974.
The search, which is in now in its fourth day, is now being extended to the interior of both houses, as part of an extensive investigation that will take in every room of the house, as well as the removal of floorboards in ground floor rooms.
On Monday, police removed some layers of concrete and tarmac in the back yards of the houses to gain access to lower levels. An area of concrete more than seven inches thick was encountered and heavy equipment is being used on the site. Rubble and other material was taken out from the back yards, as a team of forensic anthropologists and archaeologists continued their excavations.
A 69-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the disappearances was released on Tuesday evening.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 11 September, Detective Sergeant Mervyn Bryans said he hoped “the police could bring something home for the parents of the two boys” as soon as they possibly could
Meanwhile, stress counsellors have been brought in to help residents in Rodney Drive where the search is being carried out. (AMcE)
The RUC said the “important” witnesses have enabled them establish that the boys - Thomas Spence, 11, and 13-year-old John Rogers - were seen together on the day they disappeared at a shop and a bus stop off the Falls Road in November 1974.
The search, which is in now in its fourth day, is now being extended to the interior of both houses, as part of an extensive investigation that will take in every room of the house, as well as the removal of floorboards in ground floor rooms.
On Monday, police removed some layers of concrete and tarmac in the back yards of the houses to gain access to lower levels. An area of concrete more than seven inches thick was encountered and heavy equipment is being used on the site. Rubble and other material was taken out from the back yards, as a team of forensic anthropologists and archaeologists continued their excavations.
A 69-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the disappearances was released on Tuesday evening.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 11 September, Detective Sergeant Mervyn Bryans said he hoped “the police could bring something home for the parents of the two boys” as soon as they possibly could
Meanwhile, stress counsellors have been brought in to help residents in Rodney Drive where the search is being carried out. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
11 September 2001
Search for missing boys enters critical stage
Specialist digging equipment is being deployed in the continuing excavation at two houses in west Belfast as part of a search for two boys who disappeared over 25 years ago. The search concerns two boys, John Rodgers (13) and Thomas Spence (11) who vanished on their way to school in November 1974.
Search for missing boys enters critical stage
Specialist digging equipment is being deployed in the continuing excavation at two houses in west Belfast as part of a search for two boys who disappeared over 25 years ago. The search concerns two boys, John Rodgers (13) and Thomas Spence (11) who vanished on their way to school in November 1974.
10 September 2001
Man arrested as police search for missing boys
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a police investigation into the disappearance of two schoolboys which took place more than 27 years ago. A 69-year-old man was arrested on Monday morning as detectives continued their search of houses in Rodney Drive in west Belfast.
Man arrested as police search for missing boys
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a police investigation into the disappearance of two schoolboys which took place more than 27 years ago. A 69-year-old man was arrested on Monday morning as detectives continued their search of houses in Rodney Drive in west Belfast.
09 March 2004
PRONI unveils refurbished Public Search Room
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has officially opened its Public Search Room, which has been refurbished at a cost of £250,000. It is hoped that the updated facilities will attract more visitors with the attraction of unique documents which reflect local historical events over several centuries.
PRONI unveils refurbished Public Search Room
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has officially opened its Public Search Room, which has been refurbished at a cost of £250,000. It is hoped that the updated facilities will attract more visitors with the attraction of unique documents which reflect local historical events over several centuries.
12 September 2001
Search for missing boys enters third day of excavations
Police have resumed their search for the remains of missing teenagers John Rodgers and Thomas Spence in what is the third day of excavations at two houses in Rodney Drive, West Belfast.
Search for missing boys enters third day of excavations
Police have resumed their search for the remains of missing teenagers John Rodgers and Thomas Spence in what is the third day of excavations at two houses in Rodney Drive, West Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
