Belfast Haunting, A [Assume Nothing]

June 1989. A family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems determined to drive them from their home. The local press cover it extensively, neighbours gather outside to say prayers in the street – and the father tells the BBC that he was attacked and thrown down the stairs by a woman only he can see.

Reggie Chamberlain-King grew up in nearby Andersonstown. He was terrified by rumours of the haunting, which became the talk of West Belfast – an area in the midst of a bitter and violent conflict.

Alongside the real-life horrors taking place outside his house, stories of witchcraft, ghosts and devil worshipping were rife – but the story of a family apparently driven from their home by a violent spirit has never left him. Can Reggie uncover the truth of what really happened?

Summer, 1989 - rumours spread about strange events in a terraced house in West Belfast.

Summer, 1989 – rumours spread about strange events in a terraced house in West Belfast.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

Reggie has discovered that the father of the house wrote a book documenting his family's traumatic experience – but it's out of print and copies are very rare. Over 30 years after the events it describes, internet forums and chat rooms are still abuzz with discussions about the haunting and the book - and full of endless speculation.

Finally, Reggie discovers a copy in the special collection of a Belfast library, a copy so rare and delicate it's kept in a protective sleeve and must be handled under supervision – a copy signed by the author. What's inside?

Reggie is determined to track down a copy of a rare book that documents the haunting.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

When Reggie learns that a local priest visited the house on a number of occasions, he visits a nearby monastery to try to learn more, but will anyone agree to speak to him?

Meanwhile, it's documented that another religious group travelled from County Waterford to offer assistance to the family – what did they discover?

Reggie visits a local monastery to find out more about a priest who blessed the house.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

Reggie recalls a shocking event outside the bedroom window of his childhood home and wonders if violence and fear in the area led to an upsurge in ghost stories.

When an old friend tells Reggie a frightening ghost story of her own, it provides an unexpected breakthrough – a chance to reach out to the family.

An old friend's ghost story gives Reggie an unexpected breakthrough.

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Reggie recalls a shocking event outside the bedroom window of his childhood home and wonders if violence and fear in the area led to an upsurge in ghost stories.

When an old friend tells Reggie a frightening ghost story of her own, it provides an unexpected breakthrough – a chance to reach out to the family.

An old friend's ghost story gives Reggie an unexpected breakthrough.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

Reggie reads an article about three journalists who volunteered to spend a night in the empty house, but no names are given – who were they and how did the night really go?

Meanwhile, another mystery. An elusive journalist by the name of Tom Mallon - who wrote much of the early coverage of the haunting before vanishing - makes an unexpected appearance

A group of journalists offer to spend a night in the empty house.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

After she hears an interview with the father of the house on a BBC radio programme, paranormal investigator Sheila St Clair contacts the family to offer her support. When they agree to meet, Sheila arranges a visit by a psychic medium known as ‘Cecil'.

Late into the night, when it seems that nothing is going to happen - Cecil and his group of researchers suddenly hear a strange sound – and it seems to be coming from upstairs.

An expert in paranormal research contacts the family and offers to help.

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In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?

Reggie wonders why stories like the 'Beechmount Poltergeist' and tales of ghosts, ouija boards and devil worshipping were so common in West Belfast in the 1970s and 80s.

He's long heard rumours about stories of black magic and Satanism being deliberately planted among the local community by British Military Intelligence, but will a man with inside knowledge agree to speak?

As Reggie delves further into local ghost stories, he discovers a dark twist in the tale.

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June 1989, a family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems hellbent on driving them from their home.

Reggie connects the pieces of the paranormal puzzle that he has gathered along the way - what does he think really happened in 1989?

Written and presented by Reggie Chamberlain-King

Produced by Conor McKay

Editor Andy Martin

A BBC Northern Ireland Production

With his journey at an end, what has Reggie learned about the infamous ghost story?

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