Menu
24/02/2009
Bog Meadows Search Underway For Boys' Remains
There has been a call for sensitivity from a Sinn Féin politician as police forensic teams today began examining ground close to the Bog Meadows wildlife sanctuary in west Belfast.
Police were carrying out a dig at the nature reserve today after an unrelated search for unmarked babies' graves uncovered further, unexpected human remains.
The PSNI was called in and they are now digging specifically for the graves of John Rodgers, aged 13, and Thomas Spence, 11, who went missing from their homes nearby in 1974.
The authorities said no discovery had yet been made, but confirmed they were investigating 'an anomaly' which was detected during a survey.
Grieving families believe hundreds of dead babies may have been inadvertently transferred from unmarked graves from a neighbouring cemetery when that land was sold some years ago.
The new PSNI examination follows a search several weeks ago of land once owned by Milltown Cemetery involving dogs trained to indicate where human remains might be buried and usually used by the police. The search is focused on a small area of a field adjoining the cemetery.
The land itself was bought by the Ulster Wildlife Trust some years ago and is now incorporated in the Bog Meadows Reserve.
Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams (pictured) has expressed his hope that issues around bereaved families and Milltown cemetery can be resolved quickly.
Representatives have been meeting with the families and with the other agencies involved, including the PSNI, Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Catholic Church, on this matter in recent days and months.
"Following a completion of a recent survey by Queen's University we fully expect that it will be possible in the near future to resolve all of the concerns raised by bereaved families," commented the West Belfast MP and Sinn Féin President
"We are aware that the survey has identified an issue around a small piece of ground which the PSNI wish to investigate further.
"We hope that this work can be completed quickly with sensitivity and discretion," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Police were carrying out a dig at the nature reserve today after an unrelated search for unmarked babies' graves uncovered further, unexpected human remains.
The PSNI was called in and they are now digging specifically for the graves of John Rodgers, aged 13, and Thomas Spence, 11, who went missing from their homes nearby in 1974.
The authorities said no discovery had yet been made, but confirmed they were investigating 'an anomaly' which was detected during a survey.
Grieving families believe hundreds of dead babies may have been inadvertently transferred from unmarked graves from a neighbouring cemetery when that land was sold some years ago.
The new PSNI examination follows a search several weeks ago of land once owned by Milltown Cemetery involving dogs trained to indicate where human remains might be buried and usually used by the police. The search is focused on a small area of a field adjoining the cemetery.
The land itself was bought by the Ulster Wildlife Trust some years ago and is now incorporated in the Bog Meadows Reserve.
Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams (pictured) has expressed his hope that issues around bereaved families and Milltown cemetery can be resolved quickly.
Representatives have been meeting with the families and with the other agencies involved, including the PSNI, Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Catholic Church, on this matter in recent days and months.
"Following a completion of a recent survey by Queen's University we fully expect that it will be possible in the near future to resolve all of the concerns raised by bereaved families," commented the West Belfast MP and Sinn Féin President
"We are aware that the survey has identified an issue around a small piece of ground which the PSNI wish to investigate further.
"We hope that this work can be completed quickly with sensitivity and discretion," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2011
Major Operation Targets PSNI Officer's Killers
Five men have been arrested and a major search operation has taken place across the North today over the murder of police officer Ronan Kerr. Police investigating the deadly bomb blast in Omagh almost four months ago have mounted a major search and arrest operation.
Major Operation Targets PSNI Officer's Killers
Five men have been arrested and a major search operation has taken place across the North today over the murder of police officer Ronan Kerr. Police investigating the deadly bomb blast in Omagh almost four months ago have mounted a major search and arrest operation.
03 August 2010
Derry Barracks Blasted Overnight
A bomb blast has devastated the area round a Londonderry police station. The PSNI said two men, one armed with a gun, hijacked a taxi driver shortly before 3am this morning and that the bomb was loaded into his car after which he was forced to drive to the police station.
Derry Barracks Blasted Overnight
A bomb blast has devastated the area round a Londonderry police station. The PSNI said two men, one armed with a gun, hijacked a taxi driver shortly before 3am this morning and that the bomb was loaded into his car after which he was forced to drive to the police station.
03 June 2019
Major Search Operation Ongoing For Missing Jet-Skier
A major search operation is ongoing on Lough Ree in the Midlands after a woman went missing while jet-sking. The operation was launched on Sunday evening after a woman failed to return to shore at the lake, which borders Westmeath and Longford. Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, RNLI crews, civil defence and sub-aqua clubs are involved in the operation.
Major Search Operation Ongoing For Missing Jet-Skier
A major search operation is ongoing on Lough Ree in the Midlands after a woman went missing while jet-sking. The operation was launched on Sunday evening after a woman failed to return to shore at the lake, which borders Westmeath and Longford. Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, RNLI crews, civil defence and sub-aqua clubs are involved in the operation.
12 March 2009
Six Due In Court Over Cannabis Find
A total of six men are to appear court this Thursday morning over the seizure of €200,000 worth of cannabis. The men are to appear at Sligo District Court charged with drugs and immigration offences at 10.30 a.m. A total of eight people were arrested in connection with the seizure on Tuesday.
Six Due In Court Over Cannabis Find
A total of six men are to appear court this Thursday morning over the seizure of €200,000 worth of cannabis. The men are to appear at Sligo District Court charged with drugs and immigration offences at 10.30 a.m. A total of eight people were arrested in connection with the seizure on Tuesday.
11 March 2009
Eight Held After Cannabis Seizure
A total of eight people have been arrested after a drug raid by Gardaí on a house in Leitrim. Officers arrested seven males and one female after the discovery of cannabis plants, which have an estimated street value of approximately €200,000 pending analysis. The planned search took place at a house in Aughaginny, Drumshambo, Co.
Eight Held After Cannabis Seizure
A total of eight people have been arrested after a drug raid by Gardaí on a house in Leitrim. Officers arrested seven males and one female after the discovery of cannabis plants, which have an estimated street value of approximately €200,000 pending analysis. The planned search took place at a house in Aughaginny, Drumshambo, Co.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
