Body found in search for missing Belfast teenager

Police have confirmed that a body has been found in north Belfast, where searches have been ongoing for missing teenager Noah Donohoe.

Officers believe that the body, found in a storm drain by a specialist police search and rescue team just before 9.45am on Saturday, is that of the 14-year-old.

While there has not yet been official identification, Noah’s family have been informed and are receiving ongoing support.

PSNI Superintendent Muir Clark told reporters that the storm drain complex had presented “an extremely challenging environment in which to work” and had taken days to search.

He added: “In my 30 years in the police, this is one of the most unusual missing person inquiries that I have dealt with.”

Noah Donohoe had not been seen since the evening of Sunday 21 June, despite searches involving specialist teams and hundreds of volunteers.

He had been out cycling and was last seen on Northwood Road, but was believed to have earlier fallen off his bike and possibly sustained a head injury.

He was spotted cycling without his clothes on after the fall and items belonging to the teenager, including his laptop and backpack, had previously been recovered.

Police say there is “no evidence to suggest foul play”.

Superintendent Clark added: “It is disappointing that I again need to call on people circulating a number of rumours about Noah’s disappearance, which are completely without foundation.

“This type of commentary and rumour is distressing for Noah’s family and is extremely unhelpful.

“If people post distasteful and patently untrue rumours on social media, we will investigate that.”

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have both extended their sympathies to Noah’s family.

“My heart goes out to Noah’s family,” Mrs Foster said, describing the latest news as “absolutely devastating”.

She added: “The community acted as one in the search and I know they will also support Noah’s family at this time of heart-rending grief.”

Ms O’Neill said it was “heartbreaking” to hear that a body believed to be Noah had been found.

“The whole community has been left numb after six days of searches,” she said.

“Sincere sympathy and condolences to his mother Fiona, family and friends at this awful time.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Frank McCoubrey has also expressed his condolences to the family of Noah Donohoe.

“I know that I speak for the entire city in expressing condolences to Noah’s family and friends,” he said.

“It is incredibly sad to see the loss of such a gifted and well-loved young man, and as a father myself, I cannot begin to imagine the anguish and pain at the loss of a child.”

Mr McCoubrey added: “I would like to pay tribute to the community of north Belfast who have come together, helping in the search for Noah, and also to the PSNI and Community Rescue Service who have worked tirelessly in recent days.

“The tragic loss of Noah will be deeply felt by the entire community.”