Menu
12/09/2001
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.
The search 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. However, police have now said a new witness has come forward claiming to have seen the boys on the day they disappeared.
The two boys were last seen at around 9am on November 26 1974 after they failed to arrive at St Aloysius School in Belfast.
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. (CL)
The search 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. However, police have now said a new witness has come forward claiming to have seen the boys on the day they disappeared.
The two boys were last seen at around 9am on November 26 1974 after they failed to arrive at St Aloysius School in Belfast.
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. (CL)
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.
12 April 2017
Man Arrested Over Murder Of George Gilmore
A 39-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore, aged 44, was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on Monday, 13 March. He died from his injuries in hospital the following day, 14 March. The suspect was detained in Co Antrim on Wednesday, 12 April, and is being questioned at Musgrave police station.
Man Arrested Over Murder Of George Gilmore
A 39-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore, aged 44, was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on Monday, 13 March. He died from his injuries in hospital the following day, 14 March. The suspect was detained in Co Antrim on Wednesday, 12 April, and is being questioned at Musgrave police station.
30 September 2024
PSNI Chief Constable Attends National Police Memorial Day
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has attended the National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow. During the event, he met with widows and families of PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross recipients who had tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
PSNI Chief Constable Attends National Police Memorial Day
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has attended the National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow. During the event, he met with widows and families of PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross recipients who had tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
03 October 2017
Four People Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Four more people have been arrested over the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore, a high-profile loyalist, was shot in the neck in the Woodburn estate in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He died from his injuries the next day in hospital. A 30-year-old man and three women have been taken to Musgrave Police Station to be questioned.
Four People Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Four more people have been arrested over the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore, a high-profile loyalist, was shot in the neck in the Woodburn estate in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He died from his injuries the next day in hospital. A 30-year-old man and three women have been taken to Musgrave Police Station to be questioned.
27 September 2017
Five Men Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He was taken to hospital but died the next day. The PSNI also searched two properties in the area. The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
Five Men Arrested Over George Gilmore Murder
Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of George Gilmore. Mr Gilmore was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus on 13 March this year. He was taken to hospital but died the next day. The PSNI also searched two properties in the area. The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
-
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.
