
Fresh appeal over 1973 murder of 18-year-old whose body was found in Tyrone quarry
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information around the murder of an 18-year-old in Co Tyrone more than 50 years ago.
The body of Marian Beattie was found at the bottom of a quarry.
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She had been attending a charity dance at Hadden's Garage in Aughnacloy on Friday, March 30th, 1973, to listen to her brother playing in the band.
The teenager was last seen leaving the dance with a young man just after 1am and walking in the direction of Hadden's Quarry.
Her body was discovered at the bottom of the nearby quarry shortly after 6am the following morning.
Detectives from the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch have issued a fresh appeal for information from the public surrounding the circumstances leading to her death.
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A spokesperson said they would like to talk to anyone who remembered seeing Ms Beattie at the dance, and who she had been talking to.
'We believe Marian left the dance at Hadden's Garage with a man, walking in the direction of the nearby car park at the top of Hadden's Quarry about 400 yards away from the garage,' they said.
'We do not know what happened next but Marian's body was found at the bottom of the quarry approximately 80-100ft below the car park.
'I appreciate this murder took place over 50 years ago but we would like to talk to anyone who was at the dance at Hadden's Garage on the night of Friday, March 30th, 1973.
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Today, we are appealing for information on the 1973 murder of 18-year-old Marian Beattie in Aughnacloy. Marian had been attending a charity dance at Hadden's Garage on Friday, 30th March. Marian's family deserve to know what happened that night. More:
https://t.co/Yauduvxeoy
pic.twitter.com/GvV3sSRTDV
— Police Mid Ulster (@PSNIMidUlster)
May 22, 2025
'Marian went there with a girlfriend to listen to her brother's band.
'Did you see who she was dancing with or speaking with? Did you see her leave the dance with a man? Do you know who he was? Did you see her in the car park at the quarry any time after 1.15am on the Saturday morning?'
They have also appealed to anybody who might remember seeing anyone who was at the dance returning home distressed or with dirt on their clothes.
'Marian's family deserve to know what happened to her that night,' they said.
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'I am appealing to anyone who may be able to help us progress the investigation and bring some closure to the Beattie family to come forward and speak to detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch.
'Detectives can be contacted by calling 101.'
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Reuters
26 minutes ago
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Disorder breaks out in Northern Ireland for third straight night
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Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
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Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
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"My thoughts and prayers are with those officers still receiving treatment, and with the communities across Northern Ireland who woke up this morning very scared." Today 02:41 PM Policing Board members thank PSNI and emergency services for efforts in 'face of vicious attack' Policing Board Members today attended a specially convened briefing to receive an update from the PSNI on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland. Members were briefed on policing operations and challenges following violence. Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: "Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family. "Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed." He added: "Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. "We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery." Ms Sharma said the board condemns acts of "wanton violence against people, police and property". He added: "Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. "Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end." 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'Comprehensive plans are in place by the police to prepare for and deal with any further disorder. We would strongly urge anyone considering attending any gatherings to think again - stay at home, do not stand side-by-side with rioters, and think of your community."