A recent plea for information has been issued regarding the disappearance of two young boys almost six decades ago in East Belfast. David Leckey, aged 11, and Jonathan Aven, aged 14, were last spotted in September 1969. Their cases were highlighted in the Lost Boys documentary, which delved into the vanishing of multiple children in the 1960s-70s and was screened in theaters in 2023.
Authorities disclosed that the families of the missing boys have endured immense suffering since their disappearance. There is a belief that the boys might have boarded a train to Bangor. Police are urging anyone who might have encountered them in the past 56 years to come forward with any information.
David’s family, residing on Memel Street, had no inkling of any distress or trouble before his disappearance. Jonathan, from Sydenham Drive, was described as a contented young boy attending Ashfield Boys’ School, where he seemed to be thriving.
A police representative expressed, “More than 50 years have elapsed since David and Jonathan vanished, leaving their families in a perpetual state of anguish. The uncertainty and distress of not knowing their fate over the years must be unbearable. Our sympathies are with both families during this challenging time.”
The case of the missing boys remains unresolved, prompting detectives to explore all investigative leads and potential criminal connections to their disappearance. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch to aid in the ongoing inquiry.
KRW Law, a Belfast legal firm representing the Aven and Leckey families, welcomed the renewed call for information. They have been working closely with the PSNI since the airing of the Lost Boys documentary, aiming to provide long-awaited answers for the families.
Solicitor Owen Winters emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to investigating the disappearances of Jonathan and David alongside similar cases from 1969. There is a collective effort to unify all cases under a centralized investigative strategy for the benefit of affected families.
For any information related to David and Jonathan’s disappearance, individuals are urged to contact detectives at 101 or via email, quoting reference RM14009442. Reports can also be submitted online through the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website. Crimestoppers offers an anonymous reporting option via phone or online.
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