Northern Ireland

West Belfast death of teenager Conor Kerr 'not suspicious'

The death of Conor Kerr is not being treated as suspicious by the PSNI
The death of Conor Kerr is not being treated as suspicious by the PSNI The death of Conor Kerr is not being treated as suspicious by the PSNI

POLICE have said they are not treating the death of a teenager in west Belfast as suspicious.

Conor Kerr (16) had been reported missing on New Year's Day.

His body were recovered from a small river in the Twinbrook area in the early hours of Saturday.

Police last night said a post mortem examination had been carried out and that the teenager's death "is not being treated as suspicious".

"Police are now awaiting toxicology and further test results," a spokesman added.

It is understood that a 19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of "assault occasioning actual bodily harm" as part of the wider investigation has been released pending further enquiries.

Mr Kerr comes from a well-known family in the area and had a wide circle of friends.

His devastated mother Danielle posted a tribute on Facebook.

"My beautiful son, my heart is in shattered pieces. Conor forever 16."

Sinn Féin assembly member Órlaithí Flynn said the community was shocked by the sudden death.

"A police investigation into the incident are underway and should be allowed to continue unhindered," he said.

"My sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of the young man who has died at this time.

"Anyone with information on the incident should bring it forward to the PSNI."