17/08/2005

Funeral takes place of stabbed schoolboy

The funeral has taken place of murdered Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin.

The 15-year-old schoolboy was stabbed five times in the back as he returned home from buying sweets at a nearby garage with a friend on the Somerton Road in north Belfast last week.

Tuesday’s service took place at the Church of the Resurrection on north Belfast's Cavehill Road before moving to Armoy in Co Antrim where Thomas were buried.

In his homily Father Sean Emerson said the "brutality" of Thomas' death had made most people wonder what "was going on, what is wrong in society".

"Those who murdered Thomas", he said, "must have a very heavy conscience because they have committed a very evil act."

Two men and a juvenile arrested over the murder have since been released.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the murder or any other information to contact them on 028 9070 0317 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)

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