08/08/2006
Renewed attempt to find schoolboy's killers
Police investigating the murder of a north Belfast schoolboy Thomas Devlin, which happened one-year ago this week, are making a renewed attempt to find those responsible for the killing.
A mobile police station has been set up close to where Thomas was murdered in north Belfast, officers will be in the area to talk to potential witnesses and a mobile advertising trailer is being used over a wider area to prompt people's memories and consciences.
The 15-year-old schoolboy was brutally murdered as he made his way home on the evening of Wednesday August 10 last year. Thomas and two friends walked along Somerton Road from the direction of Fortwilliam Park towards the Lansdowne Road at 11.45pm. As they reached the rear gates of St Patrick's College two males, who had a dog, attacked them.
Thomas was stabbed several times and died from his injuries.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough, said police remained as determined as ever to bring Thomas' killers to justice.
He said: "Police have taken almost 900 statements, carried out more than 60 searches and made nine arrests. In addition, we have enlisted the assistance of a number of experts to help us with specific aspects of our investigation including video enhancement and animal identification."
He continued: "Despite all this activity, unfortunately we have so far not been able to get the vital breakthrough which would enable us to bring charges. I believe a breakthrough is still possible.
"In order to achieve this, I need people with information who have not yet spoken to us, for whatever reason, to come forward now about events on the night of 10 August last year in the area around Somerton Road, Fortwilliam Park and Lansdowne Road. I need to talk to: Anyone who was in the area when Thomas was killed; Anyone who saw anything that might be connected to the murder; Anyone with any information which they believe can assist police.
"I would ask those people to contact the investigation team direct on 028 9070 0317 or they can use the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."
(EF/SP)
A mobile police station has been set up close to where Thomas was murdered in north Belfast, officers will be in the area to talk to potential witnesses and a mobile advertising trailer is being used over a wider area to prompt people's memories and consciences.
The 15-year-old schoolboy was brutally murdered as he made his way home on the evening of Wednesday August 10 last year. Thomas and two friends walked along Somerton Road from the direction of Fortwilliam Park towards the Lansdowne Road at 11.45pm. As they reached the rear gates of St Patrick's College two males, who had a dog, attacked them.
Thomas was stabbed several times and died from his injuries.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough, said police remained as determined as ever to bring Thomas' killers to justice.
He said: "Police have taken almost 900 statements, carried out more than 60 searches and made nine arrests. In addition, we have enlisted the assistance of a number of experts to help us with specific aspects of our investigation including video enhancement and animal identification."
He continued: "Despite all this activity, unfortunately we have so far not been able to get the vital breakthrough which would enable us to bring charges. I believe a breakthrough is still possible.
"In order to achieve this, I need people with information who have not yet spoken to us, for whatever reason, to come forward now about events on the night of 10 August last year in the area around Somerton Road, Fortwilliam Park and Lansdowne Road. I need to talk to: Anyone who was in the area when Thomas was killed; Anyone who saw anything that might be connected to the murder; Anyone with any information which they believe can assist police.
"I would ask those people to contact the investigation team direct on 028 9070 0317 or they can use the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."
(EF/SP)
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