Noah Donohoe: Laptop and bag found in ‘significant’ breakthrough in search for missing teenager

Discovery comes as police arrest man in connection with social media posts about 14-year-old boy

Noah Donohoe went missing after last being seen in areas close to the Shore Road, Belfast, on Sunday evening (PA)

Police have hailed a “significant” breakthrough in the search for missing Northern Irish teenager Noah Donohoe after the discovery of a backpack belonging to the boy.

The bag contained the 14-year-old’s laptop computer, which is now being examined by specialist officers as a major line of inquiry in the search for the teenager who was last seen in areas close to the Shore Road, Belfast, on Sunday evening.

The discovery came after a member of the public responded to an appeal by police for help with finding the bag.

“It was a significant part of evidence that we were looking for because it contained the laptop,” Superintendent Muir Clark said.

“Along with the other electronic devices that we have, that will form a major line of inquiry now as to where Noah possibly is or if Noah was going to see someone, who that was.

“These items are now being examined by specialist officers, for any information which may help locate Noah.”

The search for the teenager entered its sixth day this morning in north Belfast.

Mr Clark also told reporters at a press conference on Friday that a 26-year-old man had been arrested following a social media post concerning the boy.

"Last night, we became aware of social media posts. We are aware of the content of these social media posts and are content there is no truth behind their content," he said.

"A 26-year-old male was arrested in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of improper use of public electronic communications network and he is currently helping with enquiries."

The arrest came after police said Noah’s family had been left distressed by false rumours about the boy.

Mr Clark said on Thursday that officers were leaning towards the theory that the teenager may have fallen from his bicycle in north Belfast and hurt his head.

“We don't discount any other scenario, we should look at other scenarios and we will continue to do that until we find Noah,” he added.

A statement from the teenager’s school, St Malachy’s College, described him as a “most valued and popular member of our Year 10 group of boys” and said students and teachers were praying for his safe return.

“Noah is an industrious and intelligent academic and immerses himself in the extra-curricular life of the college through music and sports," it said.

“The entire college family continues to keep Noah and his family in our constant thoughts and prayers."

Additional reporting by PA