Belfast – Testimony at the ongoing inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has revealed significant challenges faced by police during the search operation, including a hostile crowd and difficult conditions within the storm drain tunnel where his body was discovered in June 2020. The inquest, now in its fourth week, continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s disappearance and death.
Noah Donohoe was last seen alive on June 6, 2020, after leaving his home on a bicycle. His body was found six days later in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast. The investigation has focused on the timeline of events, the search efforts undertaken by police, and the conditions within the tunnel system. The inquest is being heard with a jury, and a series of witness statements are being presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.
Hostile Behavior Hindered Initial Search Efforts
Former PSNI Insp Philip Menary, who led the hazardous environment search (HES) team, told the inquest that the initial search of Linear Park, near where Noah went missing, was hampered by a large number of people attempting to assist in the search. According to Menary, the search was temporarily halted due to the size of the crowd and the “hostile fashion” in which some individuals were behaving. He emphasized that the majority of those present were motivated by a desire to aid find the missing boy, but their presence ultimately obstructed the police operation. BBC News reported on this aspect of the testimony.
‘Horrendous’ Conditions Within the Tunnel System
Menary described the underground tunnel system as a “exceptionally challenging environment to navigate” and “very cold.” He stated that he crawled through the tunnel as part of the search efforts, and that the conditions were “horrendous.” He also noted that the schematics provided by the Department for Infrastructure regarding the water network system did not accurately reflect the layout of the tunnels encountered by the search team. Derry Now detailed the retired inspector’s description of the tunnel conditions.
The former inspector also testified that none of the obstructions found within the tunnel would have prevented someone from passing through. He added that, in his assessment, the tunnel would be “a very difficult place to survive if you were naked.” The Irish News reported on this assessment of the tunnel’s survivability.
Search Delayed by Crowd and Tunnel Obstructions
The inquest has heard that it took over an hour to clear Linear Park of civilians before police could commence inspecting the storm drain tunnel system. Menary’s testimony highlighted the difficulties in coordinating the search while managing a large and emotionally charged public presence. The search team also encountered stone and metal obstructions, as well as silt and toxins within the tunnel itself, further complicating the operation. News USA Today summarized these challenges faced during the search.
A witness also testified that they initially believed a naked cyclist they saw in the area was participating in a prank, unaware of the ongoing search for Noah Donohoe. This detail illustrates the confusion and misinformation that circulated during the early stages of the investigation.
The inquest continues, with further testimony expected to shed light on the events leading up to Noah Donohoe’s death and the actions taken by authorities during the search operation. The focus remains on establishing a clear timeline and understanding the factors that contributed to the tragic outcome.
As the inquest progresses, attention will likely turn to the analysis of forensic evidence and expert testimony regarding the cause of death. The jury will ultimately be tasked with determining the facts surrounding Noah Donohoe’s death and whether any actions could have been taken to prevent it.
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