Trio still held over teen killing

Thomas Devlin had spent the evening playing computer games

Two men and a teenager are still being questioned about the murder of a schoolboy in north Belfast.

Thomas Devlin, 15, had just bought sweets and was walking home along Somerton Road on Wednesday night, when he was stabbed five times in the back.

A 16-year-old boy managed to escape - but an 18-year-old was also hurt, although not seriously.

Thomas's parents said the whole family was devastated. They said police told them they had not established a motive.

Thomas's mother, Penny Holloway, said her son was "a lovely, good-natured, bright and kind-hearted boy".

Police cordoned off Somerton Road after the murder

"For his life to be snuffed out like this is unbelievable. We're just devastated," she said.

Thomas, a student at Belfast Royal Academy, was a talented musician who played the horn at school.

He spent Wednesday night playing computer games at his home in the Somerton area.

One of his friends planned to stay over and they decided to go out for food but were attacked on the way home.

"It's come to something when a boy can't even walk up the street to his own home," she said.

Parish priest Father Sean Emerson said the boy's family was still in a state of shock.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said the killing had stunned the local community.

Alban Maginness, SDLP assembly member for north Belfast, also said the murder was "deeply shocking".

Detectives in North Queen Street have appealed for anyone with information to contact them at 028 9065 0222.