29/08/2005

Rory murder case: Man's body identified

Police searching for the killer of 11-year-old schoolboy Rory Blackhall have confirmed the identity of the man's body discovered when police searched a house in connection with their inquiries.

The man was named as Simon Harris, 37, who lived in the Camps Rigg area of Livingston, West Lothian.

Police said that a post-mortem had been carried out on the body. It is understood that no-one else is being sought in relation to the death of Mr Harris, but police have refused to comment on how he died. Police also declined to comment on whether Mr Harris was a suspect in the case.

Scottish newspapers this morning reported that Mr Harris had died by hanging.

The body of Rory Blackhall was discovered under a dilapidated tent on August 21, three days after the boy went missing. He had been strangled.

(SP/KMcA)

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