Urgent Appeal for Information on Missing Belfast Boys from 1969

UPDATE: A fresh appeal for information has just been launched regarding the mysterious disappearance of two young boys from Belfast over 55 years ago. Jonathan Aven, aged 14, and David Leckey, aged 11, were last seen in September 1969, and authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward immediately.

This urgent plea comes in the wake of the recent Lost Boys documentary, which highlighted several child disappearances during the 1960s and 1970s and was shown in cinemas earlier this year. The families of Jonathan and David have experienced unimaginable pain for decades, and police stress that the case remains open, with new leads still possible.

Authorities believe the boys may have boarded a train to Bangor, Co Down, and are asking anyone who might have encountered them at that time to contact them. David, from Memel Street, was described as having no signs of distress before his disappearance. His family reported that he had no indication of being unhappy or wanting to leave home. Jonathan, a student at Ashfield Boys’ School from Sydenham Drive, was remembered fondly by his father as a happy child who was doing well in school.

A police spokesperson stated, “More than 50 years have now passed since both David and Jonathan went missing. Their families have suffered over these years not knowing what happened to them on the day they left their home addresses. The pain and suffering of not knowing throughout the years must be unimaginable.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is committed to exploring all avenues in this investigation, considering potential criminal offenses that may be linked to their disappearance. They urge the public to reach out with any relevant information to the Legacy Investigation Branch by emailing [email protected] and referencing RM14009442.

In support of this renewed investigation, KRW Law, which represents the Aven and Leckey families, expressed hope for long-overdue answers. Solicitor Owen Winters emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to the investigation, stating, “It is never too late for justice. We have urged police to have all cases and incidents under one centralized investigative approach.”

The families are determined to seek closure, and the community’s support is crucial. Anyone with any information, no matter how small, can also contact Crimestoppers in Northern Ireland anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

This appeal marks a critical moment in the ongoing search for answers regarding the fates of Jonathan Aven and David Leckey. As police continue to investigate, every piece of information could potentially unlock the mystery surrounding their disappearance. The families and their advocates are counting on the public’s support to finally bring clarity to this heart-wrenching case.