New witness emerges in missing boys case

A new witness has emerged in the case of two boys who disappeared in Belfast in 1974.

A new witness has emerged in the case of two boys who disappeared in Belfast in 1974.

In another development, the 69-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released pending further investigation.

Police investigating the disappearance of two young boys in 1974 seal off an alleyway in west Belfast yesterday.

The RUC are interviewing the witness after he came forward claiming to have seen the boys on the day of their disappearance.

They are continuing with house-to-house inquiries around the area and have extended their investigation to potential witnesses in England.

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The excavation of ground at the two houses in Rodney Drive, west Belfast, as part of a search for the bodies of the two boys is continuing with heavy excavation equipment being used to dig up concrete floors.

The two boys, John Rodgers (13) and Thomas Spence (11), vanished on their way to school in November 1974.

The Irish Timesreported the 69-year-old man being questioned in connection with the disappearances is serving an eight-year sentence for sexual offences against children in Maghaberry Prison.

Det Supt John Short said yesterday a man who lived in west Belfast at the time of the disappearance had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The RUC say the current residents of the houses being searched are not under suspicion. The police asked the residents to move out for the search, which may take up to a week.