Missing boys case 'unexplained and potentially suspicious'

Police are appealing for new information on the disappearance of two young boys from west Belfast 50 years ago.

Thomas Spence, 11, from Rockdale Street and John Rodgers, 13, from Rodney Drive, were last seen on the morning of 26 November 1974 at a bus stop on the Falls Road.

The boys were waiting for a bus to St Aloysius School but they never arrived and have not been seen since.

A PSNI spokesperson said the circumstances around the boys’ disappearance are still “unexplained and potentially suspicious”.

A 69-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearances in 2001.

Following the arrest two houses in Rodney Drive were excavated.

Nothing was found in the search and the man was released from police custody without charge.

At the time, Det Supt John Short said that "despite any rumours" the family could be "absolutely satisfied" that the police "conducted a thorough search".

The missing persons case remains open.

“We are very aware of the pain and suffering that the families of Thomas and John continue to feel today particularly with not knowing the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of these two young innocent boys”, the PSNI spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"The PSNI will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review and will consider all potential criminal offences that may be linked to their disappearance," they added.

The PSNI Legacy Investigation Branch said that any new information will be assessed and considered by investigators.