More questioning on boy's murder

The boy's remains were found in the River Lagan

Police have been granted an extra 36 hours to question a man about the murder of a schoolboy in Belfast more than 30 years ago.

Ten-year-old Brian McDermott disappeared from a playground in Ormeau Park in September 1973.

His mutilated body was found in the river Lagan almost a week later.

It is believed the man, who is 46 years old, lived close to where Brian McDermott went missing in Ormeau Park.

Police were given more time to question the man from 2000 GMT on Tuesday onwards, following an application at Antrim Magistrates' Court.

It followed an earlier 12-hour extension.

The little boy had left his home in Well Street in the lower Woodstock Road area of east Belfast at about 1230 BST on 2 September 1973, and failed to return for his dinner.

On Monday, police confirmed a suspect was being interviewed following a major reconstruction staged for the Crimewatch programme, to coincide with the 30th anniversary.

A spokeswoman said: "A 46-year-old man has been arrested and is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

"Detectives would like to take this opportunity to urge anyone who has any further information on this terrible crime to come forward."

The man was arrested at an undisclosed location in England at 0745 GMT on Monday.

He was brought to Antrim Police Station for further questioning.