Arrests made over 1967 child murder

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a Brighton schoolboy in 1967, as police launch a new appeal for information.

The two men - a 55-year-old from the Manchester area and a 56-year-old from the Brighton area - were arrested on Thursday. Both have since been released on police bail until November 14.

The arrests relate to the murder of 12-year-old Keith Lyon, whose body was discovered on a grass bank by the bridle path between Ovingdean and Woodingdean on May 6, 1967. He had been stabbed to death.

The discovery of the body led to one of the biggest murder investigations ever seen in Sussex, during which more than 5,000 youths had their fingerprints taken.

However, while there were a number of potential suspects, no-one was charged with the murder.

Following the arrests, Sussex Police said that they were now seeking information about a Brighton family with a teenage son who are believed to have emigrated to Canada shortly after the murder.

Detective Inspector Tim Nunn said: "There a number of lines of enquiry we are continuing to pursue over the next few months.

"Clearly, there have been many appeals for information over the years but we are still interested in hearing from people who, for whatever reason, have felt unable to disclose it previously.

"I believe there are people who know who committed this murder but have not had the confidence to speak to the police about it.

"As part of my request for assistance, I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who can help me in identifying a family with a teenage son who emigrated to Canada shortly after May 6 1967."

The investigation has been subject to a number of reviews over the years, featuring on BBC's 'Crimewatch' programme in 2000 and 2001.

Keith's father died in 1991 and his mother Valda died in October 2005. Mrs Lyon had made a number of passionate pleas for information over the years.

Keith's brother Peter, who was seven at the time of the murder, said that he wanted to know how and why his brother died, so that he could finally come to terms with his death.

In a statement, Mr Lyon said: "I have had to live my life with not knowing why my brother died for 39 years, but knowing that the person(s) who murdered him is living their life without being punished for Keith's death. If you know who killed Keith, please share your secret with the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sussex Police on: 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)