MURDER OF THOMAS DEVLIN - PSNI APPEAL
Detectives investigating the murder of Thomas Devlin two years ago have joined with his parents to mark the second anniversary of his death by launching an advertising campaign to encourage the small group of people who know who killed him to come forward with information.
15-year-old Thomas was walking along the Somerton Road in north Belfast with two friends on 10 August 2005. They had just been to a nearby garage shop for sweets when they were attacked by two men.
Thomas and his 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 men, who had a dog, attacked them. Thomas was stabbed several times and died from his injuries.
The officer in charge of the case, Detective Chief Inspector Nick McCaw, said the
Investigation remained active and was entering a new public phase today with the launch of an advertising campaign.
DCI McCaw said: “The advertising campaign is targeted in the Shore Road and Mount Vernon areas of north Belfast. These are locations where we believe that individuals have information about Thomas’ murder – who killed him and what they did immediately afterwards with their clothing and the weapon.
“The ad campaign will be concentrated on a limited number of poster sites, in a community newspaper and on a mobile display hoarding. Detectives will also be handing out leaflets in the coming days as part of renewed inquiries.
“No one should forget what happened two years ago – a young lad went out with his mates to the shop for sweets and was brutally murdered by men armed with a knife.
Thomas’ parents have certainly not forgotten. The investigation team has not forgotten. I wonder how those who murdered him and those close to them who know what they did will ever be able to forget.”
So far in the investigation there have been 12 arrests and 77 searches. Police have taken 1,038 statements and obtained 775 exhibits. To date, no one has been charged.
But new lines of enquiry are being followed up and the investigation remains dynamic. Police are currently conducting new forensic examinations on a number of items. These include dog hairs and other physical evidence which is potentially significant.
The theme of the ad campaign highlights the fact that Thomas was a child and carries an emotional message from his parents.
Thomas’ mother, Penny Holloway, said: “We have always said that if such a tragedy was to happen to any other family, we would do our best to help in any way. Certainly, if we thought we had any information then we would give it to police. All we are asking is for those people who know about Thomas’ murder to do the same for us. It’s what anyone with a heart and a conscience would do.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room, telephone 028 9070 0317 and talk to detectives.
Crimestoppers 0800 555111