Police have not ruled out witchcraft or paedophilia as motives for Northern Ireland's most gruesome child murder, it emerged yesterday.
Detectives have appealed for fresh information about the death of 10-year-old Brian McDermott, 30 years after his murder. Brian disappeared from a playground in Ormeau Park, south Belfast, on September 2nd, 1973. His badly mutilated torso and arm were recovered from the River Lagan a week later.
Det Chief Insp George Hamilton said he remained optimistic that someone could be brought to justice for the murder, although it happened so long ago. He believed there were people in the park on the day of Brian's disappearance who had not yet talked to police.
"People, for a variety of reasons, may not have felt free to come forward to the police in 1973," he said. "There are technologies and investigative opportunities open to me as a senior investigator in 2003 that weren't available to my counterparts in 1973.
"What I want to do is try to exploit those to the maximum to try to bring the person or persons to justice for this horrific and grotesque crime. But although I am optimistic and I believe it is achievable, I am also realistic. It can only be done if I get more information from people who I believe saw something here in Ormeau Park on Sunday, September 2nd, 1973."
Mr Hamilton said his team had reviewed the child sex, witchcraft and sectarian motives which were suggested during the original inquiry.
"I believe that out of the large number of lines of inquiries and motives mentioned in 1973, that there's one or two that, with help from the public, we can develop this investigation and really take it forward, and hopefully bring it to a conclusion - and bring these people to justice and bring some closure to the family," he said.
The police team had been in close contact with Brian's family, who left Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Brian's mother is currently in frail health, and his father died several years ago.
Mr Hamilton urged anyone with information to contact the Crimestoppers line in confidence on 0800 555111. - (PA)