Police and Fiona Donohoe issue statements in wake of findings in the inquest into son Noah's death

Fiona Donohoe criticised the PSNI, saying its officers “repeatedly failed to investigate” the disappearance.

The PSNI’s Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said the force will “reflect on any learnings and ensure they are applied in future”.

Outside Belfast Coroner’s Court today, solicitor Niall Murphy read out the following statement on behalf of Fiona.

“Noah was my greatest gift in life,” Ms Donohoe’s statement said.

“I miss him every day. He should still be here with me, following his dreams and planning for his future.

"I came to this inquest seeking answers, and I leave it with one clear answer: Noah was failed.

“He was failed by the Department for Infrastructure, who left a deadly storm drain unsecured and accessible to children.

“He was failed by the PSNI, who, from the moment I reported him missing, repeatedly failed to investigate and, from the moment he was found, stopped looking for answers.

“Instead, to deflect from their own failings, the Department for Infrastructure and police have sought to blame Noah.

“This inquest has exposed a culture of institutional defensiveness that goes to the heart of these public bodies, coupled with a reckless disinterest in investigating what happened to my son.

“I will never understand why and can never accept that Noah’s death did not merit a full and fearless investigation.

"Answers of ‘I don’t know’ and ‘I can’t recall’ permeated the evidence heard at this inquest.

“It’s easy to say you don’t know when you failed to find out.

"It’s easy to say you can’t recall when you haven’t secured and preserved the evidence capable of providing answers.

“The jury’s verdict lays bare that the evidence they have heard reveals an inventory of clear and repeated failings on the part of the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure.

"Noah deserved better.

“I would like to express my thanks to the jury for the commitment and dedication they have shown, and to the coroner Mr Justice Rooney for his compassion on some of the most difficult days.

“Thank you also to Noah’s band of brothers, particularly his best friends, Jay (Tierney) and Charlie (Rocks).

"Noah would be so proud of them for showing up for him (as witnesses at the inquest) and for reminding everyone of the funny, ambitious, loyal and positive boy that Noah was.

“I always told Noah I would fight his corner if he ever needed me to.

"Luckily, I have not been alone in this fight, and I am so grateful to my family, and to Noah’s army, who have stood in Noah’s corner alongside me in their thousands from day one.

"They carry Noah’s legacy with them.”

ACC Beck’s statement read as follows: “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the profound impact that the death of Noah has had on his family and friends.

“Noah was a child with his whole life ahead of him.

"His death is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain firmly with his family and those who loved him.

“This was a complex and challenging investigation which garnered huge public and media interest, along with widespread speculation.

“The eventual outcome was devastating for everyone involved, including the officers, and search teams.

“We note the coronial jury’s findings and as with any investigation, it is important that we reflect on any learnings and ensure they are applied in the future.

“Officers were determined in their efforts to locate Noah and bring him home.

“Sadly, there was no action that police could have taken, that would have prevented Noah’s death.

“We continue to keep his loved ones in our thoughts and recognise the suffering they endure.”