The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has launched a public appeal for witnesses to help uncover the truth surrounding the deaths of father and son, Eric and Desmond Guiney, in 1981.

Eric (45), a milk man, and his son Desmond (14), were attacked on the Antrim Road in Belfast on the morning of Tuesday, 5 May 1981.

At 6.10 am, while they were travelling in Eric's milk float, the vehicle was attacked with bricks and missiles amidst rioting reported following the death of Bobby Sands. The milk float subsequently collided with a concrete lamp post on the Antrim Road at its junction with Duncairn Avenue, opposite the New Lodge Road. Tragically, Desmond died of his injuries three days later, and his father Eric passed away on 13 May 1981, the day after Desmond's funeral.

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Logan, leading the Commission's Investigations team, urged the public to help the Guiney family, who have waited over four decades for answers.

"The Commission is committed to delivering for all those who have come to us for help, and today the family of Eric and Desmond are uppermost in our thoughts," she said.

The Commission stresses that any information held, no matter how minor it may seem, could be of critical importance. The witness appeal will involve distributing posters and an organised leaflet drop in the area.

The Commission assures that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact the ICRIR directly.