The PSNI has launched a poster campaign appealing for information on the killing of Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin as the first anniversary of his death approaches tomorrow.
Thomas's father Jim said every day was painful as his family struggled to cope with the tragedy and warned his son's killers could strike again.
The 15-year-old died on August 10th last year, knifed five times as he and two friends walked along the Somerton Road in north Belfast.
Police investigators believe somebody in the local community possesses crucial evidence that could lead to convictions and want to speak to anybody with knowledge of the event.
Mr Devlin said: "They were two individuals who have it in them to murder defenceless children and there's a great belief that they will certainly do it again." He said police inquiries centred on the loyalist Mount Vernon estate and said people in that area needed to come forward.
Nobody has been charged with the killing, although a number of people have been questioned by detectives.Det Supt Simon Barraclough said: "They went away, I believe they destroyed their clothing, I believe they got rid of the murder weapon . . . and I believe they spoke to people about what they did."
Thomas, a Belfast Royal Academy student, had bought sweets from a nearby shop when he was knifed in the back. His friend (18) was slightly hurt and a 16-year-old managed to escape. The attack happened close to St Patrick's College and police believe two men with a dog were responsible.
Chief Supt Barraclough said his officers had visited over 900 premises and conducted 60 searches. He said only the killers could tell him whether the murder was motivated by sectarianism. He added anybody with knowledge of the event should be examining their consciences and consider who they are protecting.