Portrush Rail Tragedy Probe Intensifies

The investigation into the death of a Co Londonderry teenager who was struck by a train when running from a gang has intensified.

The PSNI have released CCTV pictures of the boy, taken just hours before he was murdered.

Police believe Ryan Quinn, 14, from Coleraine, died after he was chased onto the railway line near Portrush and was hit by a train.

The new pictures show Ryan taking a bus journey from Coleraine to Portrush before going to a family birthday party at McLaughlins Bar on 30 January.

It's thought that there was a row in the bar and Ryan was chased from the premises.

Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor, who is leading the investigation, said police hope the pictures will jog people's memories about that night.

"Ryan's death brought insufferable grief on his family, in particular his father, who had spoken to Ryan just moments before he died."

He appealed to the public to contact police if they had any information about what happened.

"I am convinced that there are still members of the community who know what happened to Ryan that have not come forward to talk to police," he said.

"They must. Ryan needs those people to be his witnesses. He cannot speak for himself."

The death of the St Joseph's school pupil, who was later buried at St John's Church, Coleraine near his home, initially led to the arrest of three men and a teenager.

They have all been released on bail since then.

See: Rail Death Was Murder, Say Police

(BMcC/JM)