22/09/2025
Renewed Appeal Over Boys' Disappearance In 1969
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Legacy Investigation Branch are appealing for the public's help to solve the 56-year-old disappearance of two boys from East Belfast.
David Leckey, 11, went missing from Memel Street, and 14-year-old Jonathan Aven disappeared from Sydenham Drive in September 1969.
Detective Inspector Armstrong said that both families have suffered for more than five decades, "not knowing what happened to them on the day they left their home addresses." The detective added that the pain and suffering of not knowing what happened to them "must be unimaginable."
Police said this remains an open missing persons case, with all potential lines of enquiry and investigative opportunities to be considered. Detectives are also aware of reports that the boys may have travelled by train to Bangor before their disappearance.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have encountered the boys, or who has any information about their disappearance, to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch on 101, or by emailing LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference RM14009442.
Information can also be reported online via the PSNI's non-emergency form or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
David Leckey, 11, went missing from Memel Street, and 14-year-old Jonathan Aven disappeared from Sydenham Drive in September 1969.
Detective Inspector Armstrong said that both families have suffered for more than five decades, "not knowing what happened to them on the day they left their home addresses." The detective added that the pain and suffering of not knowing what happened to them "must be unimaginable."
Detectives are asking anyone who may have encountered the boys, or who has any information about their disappearance, to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch on 101, or by emailing LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference RM14009442.
Information can also be reported online via the PSNI's non-emergency form or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.