A recent plea for information has been issued regarding two young boys who went missing nearly six decades ago.
David Leckey, aged 11, and Jonathan Aven, aged 14, were last sighted in east Belfast in September 1969. Their disappearances were highlighted in the Lost Boys documentary, which explored the vanishing of several children in the 1960s-70s and screened in theaters in 2023.
Authorities expressed that the families of the missing boys have endured immense suffering since their disappearance. It is believed that the boys might have boarded a train to Bangor. Officials are urging anyone who may have encountered them at any point in the last 56 years to come forward and assist the police.
David’s family, residing on Memel Street, had no inkling of any issues or distress that might have led him to leave home. Jonathan, from Sydenham Drive, was described by his father as a cheerful boy attending Ashfield Boys’ School, where he seemed content and performed well academically.
A police spokesperson conveyed, “Over 50 years have passed since the disappearance of David and Jonathan. The families have endured years of uncertainty not knowing the fate of the boys since they left their homes.” The spokesperson continued, stressing the ongoing open missing persons case and the unresolved circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Individuals with information about David and Jonathan’s disappearance are urged to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch for evaluation by investigators. KRW Law, representing the Aven and Leckey families, welcomed the renewed call for information. The law firm has collaborated with the PSNI following the Lost Boys documentary, aiming to provide answers long overdue for the families.
Solicitor Owen Winters emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to the disappearances in 1969 and related cases. He highlighted the need for a unified investigative strategy encompassing all relevant incidents to benefit the affected families collectively.
For those with information relevant to the case, detectives can be reached at 101 or via email at LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference RM14009442. Reports can also be filed online through the non-emergency reporting form on www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Additionally, Crimestoppers offers an avenue for anonymous tips at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.