Noah Donohoe: Body found in storm drain complex
Police say search operation was "extremely challenging"
Last updated 27th Jun 2020
Detectives searching for missing teenager Noah Donohoe say his body was found in a storm drain complex in north Belfast.
The 14-year-old disappeared on Sunday evening and his disappearance sparked a huge police and community search operation.
Superintendent Muir Clark updated the media on Saturday afternoon: "While we have no official identification, we believe it is the missing teenager Noah Donohoe.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Noah’s family and we are continuing to provide support to them at this very difficult and heat-breaking time."
Commenting on the investigation, Superintendent Clark said it was 'one of the most unusual' cases in his career: "We did have access to the storm drain complex and it has been searched over the last number of days before we got to the end of the complex.
"It's an extremely challenging environment in which to work and that is why it has taken the length of time to go through that complex.
"In my 30 years in the police this is one of the most unusual missing person inquiries that I have dealt with."
The senior policeman said it is still unclear how Noah died but insisted 'there is no evidence to suggest foul play. '
He also urged the public to refrain from speculation about the case online and paid tribute to those who volunteered time and information:
"Again, I would like to thank everyone who helped conduct and participate in the searches to find Noah.
"I also want to thank everyone who contacted police with information."
The teenager's death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with First Minister Arlene Foster among those to offer her condolences.