Families' plea over missing boys

David Spencer, who was 13, and Patrick Warren, then 11, went missing from their homes in Chelmsley Wood near Birmingham in 1996.

Police recently revealed they were questioning convicted murderer and rapist Brian Field over the inquiry.

David's mother Christine O'Toole said Tuesday would be his birthday, and she just wanted to know where he was.

Mrs O'Toole, 43, said: "I really hope David is still alive but I just can't see it."

"I would like to give him a proper funeral and have special place that I can visit."
David's mother, Christine O'Toole

The arrival of Christmas made everything worse, she added.

"I don't celebrate Christmas and haven't put a tree or trimmings up since David went missing."

The two boys had told Mrs O'Toole they would be staying at Patrick's brother's house for the night.

They were last seen by a petrol station worker late that night, asking for food.

She said: "In my mind I go over the last conversation I had with him. I told him not to be late getting to Paddy's brother's. Next thing I knew the police were at the door saying the boys were missing."

In limbo

"After all these years I just want to know where David is. If something terrible has happened at least I can grieve.

"I'm in limbo at the moment now knowing if he's dead or alive."

Ms O'Toole's sentiments were backed up by Patrick's father, Derek Warren, 64.

Patrick was the youngest of his seven sons.

"As a family we are desperate to know what has happened to Patrick since he went missing.

"This January was his 21st birthday. We don't know whether he's alive or come to harm, but we can't come to terms with anything until we know for sure."

Brian Field, 70, was jailed for life in 2001 for the rape and murder of Roy Tutill, 14, over 30 years earlier.

He denies any involvement in the two boys' disappearance, police said.

Officers added he was just one line of inquiry and are continuing to appeal to anyone with any information, however small, to contact them.

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