potential breakthrough Noah Donohoe's family appeal for 'photographic evidence' they believe shows teen's 'attacker'

Niamh Donohoe, Noah's aunt, has released a statement on social media asking for the person who she believes is in possession of the photograph to contact either the police, her family’s legal representatives, or her family directly.

Noah Donohoe (PSNI)

Jamie McDowell

February 11 2021 12:42 PM

The family of tragic teen Noah Donohoe believe a member of the public has a photograph which may be key to shedding light on what happened to the St Malachy's pupil on the day of his disappearance.

Niamh Donohoe, Noah's aunt, has released a statement on social media asking for the person who she believes is in possession of the photograph, believed to show a person who the family alleges may have assaulted the 14-year-old prior to his death, to contact either the police, her family’s legal representatives, or her family directly.

In the statement, Niamh directly appeals to the person who her family believes may be in possession of the photograph on a mobile phone to "make contact" and bring the phone to Noah’s mother's legal team.

She also says her family are aware of the identity of the person who allegedly has the photo on their mobile phone.

She explained: ‘The handset that contains the [photo] is as important as the picture to corroborate the time and date it was taken. You are aware of who you are… as are we. You are the person that could change the direction of this investigation.

‘We will continue to appeal to your conscience and moral duty every day if need be. You're not in any bother, no one needs to know your identity.’

Young Noah Donohoe strums on a Christmas present

Niamh added that if the person did not want to contact police or the law firm that they can contact Noah’s mother or herself directly.

‘Please understand the info you have as vital to us getting answers or not.

‘Also to any business owners and householders along the length of Royal Avenue and further along the route that Noah took… Please contact us regarding CCTV or phone images that you may have. We are not just looking for images of Noah, we are looking for images of other individuals too. CCTV can be retrieved after it has been overwritten… We are happy to meet with anyone that has any info or CCTV that may help. You will not be wasting our time. If the PSNI won’t do it we will.

‘Please, please do the right thing.’

The legal representatives of Fiona Donohoe have also said that they have received information Noah may have been assaulted before his disappearance as he made his way through Belfast city centre.

It is understood some of that information alleges that a person attacked Noah.

Fiona Donohoe (R) next to her sister Niamh (L) were overwhelmed at the public support as they continue their search for justice for Noah

Noah's family believe someone has a photo of that person on their phone, but not of the attack itself, and that the photo could be key in finding out more about the teenager's movements on June 21 before he entered a storm drain in the Northwood Road area of north Belfast.

Noah's body was found almost a week later on June 27 and the cause of death determined was drowning.

The family's legal team also released a statement in regards to their belief that a photograph does exist, saying: ‘It is believed that a member of the public has photographic evidence showing Noah’s alleged attacker.

‘We appeal to the person who has the photograph on the phone to bring the phone the police.

‘The phone is the key evidential exhibit, more so than the photo.’

The PSNI also confirmed that they have launched a separate investigation into access to the storm drain network which is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.