Further questioning over murder

The boy's remains were found in the River Lagan

Police have been granted a further 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.

He was arrested in England on Monday.

On Wednesday, the police were given a third extension to the period of time in which they can question the man.

The additional 36 hours was granted following an application at Antrim Magistrates Court. It expires at 0800 GMT on Friday.

Reconstruction staged

Brian McDermott 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.

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.