12/08/2005

Hain ‘horrified’ by teen stabbing

Secretary of State Peter Hain has said he is “absolutely horrified” following Wednesday’s murder of a 15-year-old boy in north Belfast.

Thomas Devlin, 15, was walking along the Somerton Road after buying sweets from a nearby petrol station when he was stabbed five times.

A friend of Thomas who was with him at the time was also injured in the attack, however his injuries are not thought to be serious.

Mr Hain said "I am just absolutely horrified by this brutal, appalling and apparently indiscriminate and motiveless killing.

“Obviously the police with our own support are working flat out to try and solve it. We’ve had this murder in a part of Belfast that has not had this type of thing before.

"Meanwhile our sympathies go to Thomas’ family."

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly also offered his sympathy to Thomas’ family.

“This is a schoolboy with a very promising future, only beginning his life,” Mr Kelly said.

“For it to be taken away so tragically is shocking and I am sure the people of North Belfast and further afield thoughts will be with the family today.”

Two men and a teenager are still being questioned by detectives concerning the murder.

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to contact them at North Queen Street police station on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)

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