East Belfast: police appeal for information on 1973 murder of 10-year-old boy
Brian McDermott's remains were recovered from the Lagan nearly a week after he went missing
Last updated 2nd Sep 2025
Police are renewing an appeal for information on the murder of a schoolboy in Belfast - 52 years ago today since he went missing.
Brian McDermott was just 10 years old when he disappeared from Ormeau Park on Sunday, September 2, 1973.
His remains were recovered from the River Lagan almost a week later close to the Belfast Boat Club.
Detectives from the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch are reviewing the case, and have appealed for the public's help 52 years on.
They said the child left his home on Well Street in the lower Woodstock Road area of east Belfast at around 12.30pm and failed to return for his Sunday dinner.
He was last seen playing alone in the playground between 1pm and 3pm that afternoon.
A police spokesperson said they hope someone may be able to provide information to help in the investigation
"It has been more than 50 years since that day and we are acutely aware of the pain and suffering that Brian's family continue to feel, and our thoughts very much remain with the family at this time," they said.
"Despite the passage of time, this murder case has never been closed and I am hopeful that someone may be able to provide information, no matter how small, which may open a new line of inquiry, or add a new dimension to information already available.
"It is also possible that someone who did not volunteer information at the time may be willing to speak with police now. Legacy Investigation Branch Detectives will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review into Brian's murder."
They added: "If anyone has any information in relation to Brian's murder we would ask them to contact Legacy Investigation Branch where all information will be assessed and considered by investigators."
Detectives can be contacted on 101 or by emailing [email protected] quoting reference RM05003065.
A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org