Renewed appeals over bogland body find

Police have reissued an appeal over the murder of man in County Fermanagh whose body was found in bogland near Belcoo.

David Sullivan (51) from Enniskillen, disappeared on August 26 1998, and his body was found on February 3 2000 in an isolated area near Belcoo. In recent weeks, archaeologists and a Home Office pathologist have been enlisted by Fermanagh detectives in their investigation of the four-year-old murder.

Mr Sullivan was known to be a frail man and was suffering from the advanced stages of Parkinson's Disease. He was also known to suffer from acute insomnia as a result of the medication he was prescribed to alleviate the effects of the disease.

The scale of the investigation has been huge, and on the third anniversary of the murder detectives were reported to have interviewed some 1,020 people, recorded 416 statements and visited 420 houses in an attempt to unravel Mr Sullivan's last movements. Unfortunately, there has been no breakthrough in the case, prompting detectives to reissue an appeal for information once again.

Detective Inspector Andy Freeburn, who has been carrying out a review of the case, confirmed that a search operation was carried out yesterday at the site and the surrounding area where Mr Sullivan's body was found. It is expected the search will last up to four days.

He said he was hopeful that the operation would yield further evidence that might help solve the murder.

"I have been conducting a review of the evidence and have identified a number of lines of inquiry, one of which is a re-examination of the site where the body was found. My team are getting help from the National Crime and Operations Faculty, archaeologists, bone experts and a Home Office pathologist for this part of the investigation," he said.

"Someone must know who killed David Sullivan. It would have been no easy matter to dispose of the body and I believe the killers may have attracted attention."

Det Insp Freeburn then appealed for anyone who saw Mr Sullivan or his white Hyundai Accent car on Wednesday August 26 1998 – the day he disappeared.

Anyone who they have any information should the police incident room on 028 6632 2823 or ring in complete confidence the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.

(GMcG)