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11/09/2001
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.
A 69-year-old man arrested in connection with the disappearances was released on Monday evening. However, police have now said a new witness has come forward claiming to have seen the boys on the day they disappeared.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 11 September, Detective Sergeant Mervyn Bryans said the witness is being questioned by police in England. DS Bryans also thanked the local community for their help and understanding in the sensitive matter and said he hoped “the police could bring something home for the parents of the two boys.” He explained that work carried out on Monday was mainly preparatory but would be entering into a more critical stage on Tuesday.
The RUC say the current residents of the houses where the search is being carried out - Numbers 50 and 56 Rodney Drive - are not under suspicion.
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 is being taken out from the back yards, as a team of forensic anthropologists and archaeologists continue their excavations. (AMcE)
The search concerns two boys, John Rodgers (13) and Thomas Spence (11) who vanished on their way to school in November 1974.
A 69-year-old man arrested in connection with the disappearances was released on Monday evening. However, police have now said a new witness has come forward claiming to have seen the boys on the day they disappeared.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 11 September, Detective Sergeant Mervyn Bryans said the witness is being questioned by police in England. DS Bryans also thanked the local community for their help and understanding in the sensitive matter and said he hoped “the police could bring something home for the parents of the two boys.” He explained that work carried out on Monday was mainly preparatory but would be entering into a more critical stage on Tuesday.
The RUC say the current residents of the houses where the search is being carried out - Numbers 50 and 56 Rodney Drive - are not under suspicion.
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 is being taken out from the back yards, as a team of forensic anthropologists and archaeologists continue their excavations. (AMcE)
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14 September 2001
Rodney Drive dig ends with no finds
Police have called off excavations at two houses in west Belfast that were part of a police investigation into the disappearance of two boys 27 years ago. Detectives said on Friday that nothing had been found at the houses at Rodney Drive in the Falls Road area.
Rodney Drive dig ends with no finds
Police have called off excavations at two houses in west Belfast that were part of a police investigation into the disappearance of two boys 27 years ago. Detectives said on Friday that nothing had been found at the houses at Rodney Drive in the Falls Road area.
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.
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.
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