A recent plea for information has been issued regarding the disappearance of two young boys nearly six decades ago. David Leckey, aged 11, and Jonathan Aven, aged 14, were last spotted in east Belfast in September 1969. Their cases were highlighted in the recent Lost Boys documentary, which delved into the vanishing of multiple children in the 1960s-70s and was screened in theaters in 2023.
Authorities stated that the families of the boys have endured immense suffering since their disappearance. They suspect that the boys might have boarded a train to Bangor and are urging anyone who may have encountered them in the past 56 years to come forward to the police.
David’s family, residing on Memel Street, indicated that they had no inkling of any distress or trouble that might have prompted his departure from home. Jonathan, from Sydenham Drive, was described by his father as a cheerful child attending Ashfield Boys’ School, where he seemed content and was excelling academically.
A police spokesperson expressed empathy for the families, emphasizing the agony of not knowing the fate of David and Jonathan after more than 50 years. The case remains unresolved, with detectives committed to exploring all leads and potential criminal aspects associated with their disappearance.
Individuals with information regarding the disappearance of David and Jonathan are urged to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch for assessment and consideration by investigators. Belfast law firm KRW Law, representing the Aven and Leckey families, welcomed the renewed appeal for information and highlighted their cooperation with the PSNI’s investigation post the Lost Boys documentary.
Solicitor Owen Winters emphasized the importance of pursuing justice, especially in consolidating the investigation of Jonathan and David’s disappearance with similar cases from 1969. He advocated for a unified approach to all related incidents for the benefit of affected families.
For any details on David and Jonathan’s disappearance, the public is encouraged to reach out to detectives via phone or email, quoting reference RM14009442. Reports can also be submitted online through the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website. Crimestoppers offers an anonymous reporting option via phone or their website.
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