Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary

Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.

Eleven year-old Thomas Spence from Rockdale Street and thirteen year-old John Rodgers from Rodney Drive were last seen on the morning of Tuesday, November 26, 1974 when they left their homes to walk to the bus stop on the Falls Road to catch a bus to St Aloysius School on Somerton Road.  They never made it to school and have not been seen since. In a statement released this morning, Police said they were "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. Our thoughts very much remain with them at this time."

The statement continued: "This remains an open missing persons case with the circumstances around their disappearance still unexplained and potentially suspicious."

Police will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review and will consider all potential criminal offences that may be linked to their disappearance. 

Anyone with information in relation to Thomas and John's disappearance is asked to contact the Police's Legacy Investigation Branch where all information will be assessed and considered by investigators.

Detectives can be contacted on 101 quoting reference RM05011374.