Murder of Ryan Quinn in Portrush
06 Feb 2009
Detectives investigating the death of 14 years-old Ryan Quinn in Portrush have launched a murder investigation.
Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor, of the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, has made an appeal for information on what happened to Ryan.
“Ryan was hit by a train on Friday January 30 and was killed. Police believe he was being chased by a number of people before he was hit by the train. Because of this, we have launched a murder enquiry,” said the detective.
”Ryan died in a terrible way. We need help from the community to catch those responsible for his death. We have spoken to Ryan's school friends and asked them for information. Their assistance could lead us to whoever it is that is responsible for Ryan's death. We need to speak to anyone who knows who was chasing Ryan before he died, or saw what happened to him.
”Police are aware that some individuals may want to take the law into their own hands and punish those they think are responsible for Ryan's death. They must not do this. Revenge will only hurt other people; it will not solve the case of who murdered Ryan. And, most important of all, it will not bring Ryan back. It is up to the courts to decide who is guilty, and what punishment they should receive. It would be better if those people who might know something tell us what they know. That is the right thing to do. Police are aware of some incidents in the last few days which are a response to Ryan's death. They are being investigated by officers in Coleraine District.”
DCI Taylor said that those who saw what happened to Ryan could be of great assistance to his team of detectives:
“Ryan cannot tell us what happened last Friday night. I really need someone to be a witness for Ryan, someone who can help explain what happened to him. Ryan's family are absolutely devastated about his death. The information you give to us, may eventually help bring some comfort to them.
”We know that Ryan was in McLoughlin's bar about 75 metres from the railway track where he was killed. If you were in the bar, or outside the bar, and saw Ryan in an argument or a fight, please let someone know what you saw. Did you see him being chased from the bar? Do you know who was chasing him?” said the policeman.
”Do you have any pictures or film footage of Ryan from last Friday night on your mobile phone? That could be a very important lead for my team of detectives.”
Anyone who has information on what happened to Ryan Quinn is asked to contact police in Coleraine on 0845 600 8000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
