Police reviewing the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast are appealing for the public’s help on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
Thomas Spence (11) from Rockdale Street and John Rodgers (13) from Rodney Drive have not been seen since November 26 1974.
The two boys had left their homes to walk to the bus stop on the Falls Road to catch a bus to St Aloysius School on Somerton Road.
But they never made it to school and have not been seen since.
On Tuesday, the 50th anniversary of the day they went missing, the PSNI legacy investigation branch said their disappearance is “still unexplained and potentially suspicious”.
It has been reported at the time of the boys’ disappearance that it was completely out of character. Thomas had been due to go Christmas shopping with his mother after school on the day he disappeared.
He was planning on spending the money he had saved from his newspaper round on presents for his family, including his parents, Richard and Anne.
When he disappeared he was wearing a dark blue anorak, maroon trousers, black shoes and a navy pullover with a red band around the neck and bottom.
John, whose mother had worked in the Royal Victoria Hospital and father worked as a butcher, was wearing a Khaki parka coat, a grey shirt, black shoes and a black pullover when he disappeared.
Adopted at the age of four, possibly from Nazareth Lodge children’s home, John had found a new family life with Alice and Jimmy Rodgers.
However, both died without finding out what happened to their son.
In 2001, it was thought there had been a breakthrough in the case when an excavation was undertaken of back gardens and a number of houses in the St James’ area of the Falls Road.
It was said the excavation was linked to a convicted paedophile, who had become a suspect in the disappearance.
However, by the end of a week of digging, no human remains were found.
In 2009, a further development involved a Canadian man who said he was John Rodgers, but the claims were later dismissed by police.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PSNI said they are continuing to review the boys’ disappearance.
“Fifty years have now passed since that day and the police service is very aware of the pain and suffering that the families of Thomas and John continue to feel today, particularly with not knowing the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of these two young innocent boys,” a spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts very much remain with them at this time.
“This remains an open missing persons case with the circumstances around their disappearance still unexplained and potentially suspicious.
“The PSNI will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review and will consider all potential criminal offences that may be linked to their disappearance.
“If anyone has any information in relation to Thomas and John’s disappearance we would ask them to contact legacy investigation branch where all information will be assessed and considered by investigators.
“Detectives can be contacted on 101 quoting reference RM05011374. A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
