Boy, 10, went out to play then was found mutilated, burned and dead in sack

Police have issued a fresh appeal after the body of a 10-year-old boy was found mutilated and burned.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are appealing for information on the horrific murder of Brian McDermott, who was discovered dead in a sack by the River Lagan, near the Belfast Boat club, in September 1973, almost a week after he went missing, reports BBC News.

More than 50 years since the shock murder, no-one has been convicted of the killing and the murder case remains open.

Brian lived in east Belfast, with his parents, two brothers and two sisters and was last seen playing alone in Ormeau Park, in Belfast, between 1 and 3pm, on 2 September 1973.

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The alarm was raised after he failed to return home for his Sunday dinner. His remains were recovered from the River Lagan almost a week later close to the Belfast Boat Club.

Brian's brother, William, who was 16 at the time of his disappearance, was considered a suspect in his brother’s case and questioned in 1976 and again in 2004. Initially, William confessed to his brother’s murder when he was questioned in 1976 but has since denied the allegations, claiming the confession was coerced. He has since changed his name by deed poll to avoid the stigma of being a suspect in his brother's murder.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Legacy Investigation Branch are reviewing the case, and have appealed for the public’s help 52 years on.

A police spokesperson said: “It has been more than 50 years since that day and we are acutely aware of the pain and suffering that Brian’s family continue to feel, and our thoughts very much remain with the family at this time,” they said.

“Despite the passage of time, this murder case has never been closed and I am hopeful that someone may be able to provide information, no matter how small, which may open a new line of inquiry, or add a new dimension to information already available.

“It is also possible that someone who did not volunteer information at the time may be willing to speak with police now. Legacy Investigation Branch Detectives will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review into Brian’s murder.”

They added: “If anyone has any information in relation to Brian’s murder we would ask them to contact Legacy Investigation Branch where all information will be assessed and considered by investigators.”

A police spokesperson said they hope someone may be able to provide fresh information to help their investigation.

Detectives can be contacted on 101 or by emailing LIBEnquiries@psni.police.uk quoting reference RM05003065.

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