Police renew north Belfast murder appeal

Detectives investigating the murder of 15-year-old Thomas Devlin have renewed their appeal for information.

Thomas and his two friends were walking home along the Somerton Road from the nearby Fortwilliam Service Station on Wednesday 10th August when they were attacked by two young males who had a dog with them.

Thomas was stabbed five times in the back and died as a result of the injuries. One of his friends was also stabbed, although his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The attackers are believed to be in their mid-teens to early 20’s and were in the vicinity of the Somerton Road at around 11:50pm, before making their way towards the Lansdowne Road after the attack.

The senior officer in charge of the case, Detective Superintendent Colin Sturgeon, said Thomas was “callously murdered” and appealed to the public to help police catch those responsible.

“This was an horrific attack which has sent shockwaves through the community and devastated Thomas’s family and friends. Nothing could possibly justify the murder of a 15-year-old schoolboy - those who could commit such a crime have absolutely nothing to offer society,” he said. “I would therefore urge anyone who has any information about this murder, no matter how small they think it may be, to contact detectives immediately.”

In particular detectives want the following people to get in touch with them, as they believe they may have information that could help their enquiries:

• Two young males who were in the vicinity of the Fortwilliam Service Station and Somerton Park at approximately 11pm on the night in question. One of these teenagers was wearing a striped top, believed to be made by Fred Perry, while the other young male was wearing white shorts. They may have been accompanied by two other youths.
• A person, believed to be a doctor, who treated Thomas Devlin at the rear gates of St Patrick's school on the Somerton Road and subsequently accompanied him to the Mater Hospital in the ambulance.
• The driver of any vehicles who drove along the Somerton Road between 11.30pm and 11.50pm.
• Any persons who regularly walk their dog along the Somerton Road late in the evening.

Anyone who has any information is urged to contact the incident room on 028 9070 0317 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/SP)