Appeal over murder of boy, 10, burned and found in a sack
The body of Brian McDermott, 10, was discovered in a sack in the River Lagan in September 1973
- Published
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are appealing for information on the murder of a 10-year-old boy in east Belfast.
Brian McDermott 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.
He had been mutilated and burned.
No-one has been convicted of the killing and the murder case remains open.
Brian's body was discovered by the River Lagan almost a week after he went missing
Brian lived in Well Street in the lower Woodstock Road area of east Belfast, with his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
He was last seen playing alone in Ormeau Park, in Belfast, between 13:00 and 15:00, on 2 September 1973 after leaving his home at about 12:30 local time.
He failed to return for his Sunday dinner.
Det Ch Insp Byrne said police 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".
"Despite the passage of time, this murder case has never been closed and I am hopeful that someone may be able to provide information."
The senior PSNI officer added that it is "possible that someone, who did not volunteer information at the time, may be willing to speak with police now".