Skaters' spectacular mural tribute to Rory

Last updated : 25 August 2005 By www.westlothiannews.co.uk

A mural tribute to murdered Livingston schoolboy Rory Blackhall has been painted on Livingston skatepark

The mural simply says Rory RIP. And poignantly painted in the middle of the letter o is the word 'why?'.

Next to it is a scroll saying Rory Blackhall 1994 - 2005 condolences to all family and friends. Rest in peace.

Rory Blackhall was last seen after being dropped off outside the school, at Westwood Park, about 8.30pm on Thursday morning, August 18 Police have now issued a new poster appeal, with an updated picture, in their bid to try and track down Rory's killer.

The parents of every primary school pupil in Livingston are also being issued with a personal safety letter as the investigation into Rory's murder continues.

Lothian and Borders Police have taken the unusual step of issuing a personalised 'safety strategy' letter to the parents and guardians of all primary school children in Livingston in a bid to allay fears within the community

Earlier on Thursday, August 25, police staged a reconstruction at 8.30am of the last moments of the car journey taken by the mother of Rory as she dropped him off for school - exactly one week after the last positive sighting of the 11-year-old.

A black Vauxhall Meriva 1.6, similar to the one belonging to Rory's mother, pulled up at the lay-by where the youngster was dropped off last week, and waited for 20 seconds - the length of time it took Rory to kiss his mum goodbye and leave the car.

The car then continued along the Deans Road and turned at the roundabout to continue the journey taken by Rory's mum last week. Her last sighting of him was as he headed towards the direction of the underpass which should have taken him onto the path to school.

Police hope the reconstruction will help jog the minds of people who may have been in the area at the same time last Thursday. No youngster was used in the reconstruction and the car was driven by a dark-haired female police officer.

Police have also revealed that a woman has come forward to say that she may be the female seen at a bus stop by a cyclist who may also have seen Rory.

A special e-mail address has been set up for anyone with possible information which may help police trace Rory's killer. The e-mail address is: roryblackhallenquiry@lbp.pnn.police.uk

So far, police have received more than 600 telephone calls to the special incident number set up for the public, many of which have produced leads that are being followed up. Extra staff had to be brought in to man the phones.

Rory's fully-clothed body had been covered with an old small green 'outbound sierra' tent when it was found by police on Sunday.

There was no obvious evidence of any sexual assault.

Police say enquiries will focus on the 76 hours between Rory going missing and his body being found.

But they are hunting for the navy blue Puma rucksack with a light grey pocket, which Rory carried with him to school on Thursday morning, after kissing his mother goodbye. The rucksack included his plastic sandwich box, juice box, pencil case and files for school.

Police have set up an incident room and urge members of the public to contact them with any information on (01506) 445650.