Police ask for help with unsolved murder more than 50 years ago
Schoolboy Brian McDermott disappeared from Ormeau Park in Belfast on 2 September 1973, and his remains were recovered almost a week later from the River Lagan.
news.sky.comDirect answer: Recent coverage continues to note that the 1973 murder of Brian McDermott remains unsolved, with ongoing police appeals for information and reviews of the case.
Details:
- The case concerns Brian McDermott, a 10-year-old who disappeared from Ormeau Park in Belfast on 2 September 1973; his remains were found in the River Lagan about a week later. Police have repeatedly stated the case has never been closed and have encouraged public tips to spur fresh lines of inquiry.[3][6]
- In 2025, PSNI and media outlets highlighted renewed appeals for public assistance as part of a formal review by the Legacy Investigation Branch, aiming to re-examine existing evidence and encourage new information, no matter how small.[6][10][3]
- Coverage from outlets such as the Irish Times and BBC summarized that police remain hopeful a member of the public might come forward with information that could open new investigative avenues after more than five decades.[1][3]
Illustration of current status:
- Unresolved case with periodic public appeals and policy reviews focused on re-examining cold-case evidence and pursuing new lines of inquiry.[1][3][6]
What you can do if you’re in the area or have information:
- Contact the PSNI Legacy Investigation Branch with any information, including small details that might seem insignificant; authorities emphasize that any new information could contribute to reopening or advancing the case.[3][6]
Citations:
- Brian McDermott: Police appeal over 1973 murder of east Belfast boy.[1]
- PSNI seek public's help in review of Belfast schoolboy's 1973 murder.[3]
- Police ask for help with unsolved murder more than 50 years ago.[6]