Fresh Appeal for Information Over 1990 Belfast Car Bomb Killing of Former Police Officer and Wife
A new appeal for information has been launched regarding the tragic killing of a former police officer and his wife in a car bomb incident in Belfast back in 1990. James Sefton, aged 65, and his wife Ellen, aged 66, lost their lives when a booby trap device exploded beneath their vehicle.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 6, 1990, shortly after the couple departed from their home on Lyndhurst Gardens, heading towards Belfast city centre. At approximately 10am, as they passed the old Forth River Primary School on Ballygomartin Road, the bomb detonated under their car.
James Sefton, who was driving at the time, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the Mater Infirmorum Hospital in Belfast. Ellen Sefton was critically injured in the explosion and was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where she tragically passed away the following day.
Independent Commission's Investigation and Appeal
The fresh appeal for information is being spearheaded by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which is investigating the murders at the specific request of the Sefton family. Assistant commissioner Amanda Logan, who leads the commission's investigations team, emphasized that the family is desperately seeking the truth about what transpired.
"It's over 35 years since James and Ellen were killed," Ms Logan stated. "Their family is seeking the truth about what happened and we believe there is someone out there who may hold the vital piece of information that could make a difference to the investigation. Even the smallest detail could help us understand what happened and why."
Broader Impact and Commission's Mission
Ms Logan further highlighted that the suffering endured by the Sefton family is "representative of the pain of so many victims, survivors and families" affected by similar tragedies. "People are still suffering, deprived of information and with no accountability," she added. "Our job at the commission is to try to deliver answers for people who have been searching for them for decades."
To support this appeal, the ICRIR will be implementing a witness outreach campaign that includes:
- Distributing posters in relevant areas
- Conducting an organised leaflet drop in locations connected to the investigation
The commission urges anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to help bring closure to this long-standing case.
