60 detectives working on McDaid murder case: H District Chief
The commander of 'H' District has said the murder of Kevin McDaid last weekend has sent shockwaves throughout Coleraine.
Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum, Commander for H District said,
"The Police investigation into Kevin's murder, has moved forward very swiftly, very robustly, and has had outstanding co-operation from the Coleraine community.
"A team of 60 detectives are now working to establish the exact circumstances behind the murder. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Two have since been released without charge.
"Enquiries are continuing, and if there is anyone out there who has any knowledge about the murder or assaults on other people in the area at the time, I would urge them to come forward to police as soon as possible. There is a family hurting deeply and beyond comprehension so we really need your information to bring those responsible to justice.
"We are aware that concerns have been expressed about Police action before and immediately after Mr McDaid was attacked.
"Two officers were very quickly on the scene and, with little thought for their own safety, moved to make an initial arrest of one of the main aggressors. Such was the hostility and size of the crowd, the officers had to withdraw from making the arrest, but went on to render first aid.
"They were joined very quickly by two Neighbourhood officers, one of whom was the Sergeant, who knew Kevin personally through his work in the community. Seeing he had collapsed, the Sergeant immediately rendered first aid - including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR - in an attempt to save his life. Additional patrols also responded immediately to the situation.
"The suggestion that there were police officers in the area who didn't intervene when they could have done earlier is an allegation that we will fully explore. We don't have any indication that that is the case, but if anyone has information about the incident or police response we want to know about it. The matter has been referred by the Police Service to the Police Ombudsman.
"Throughout the day neighbourhood officers worked tirelessly to ease tensions in Coleraine ahead of a Scottish Premier League football match.
"There was close liaison with both communities in an effort to reach mutually agreeable compromises. One example of this was the removal of a small number of barricades in the Heights area. Mr. McDaid, a well-respected community worker, was involved in the discussions which helped to bring calm to the area.
"Although tensions in the community had been building during the afternoon, the understanding was that it had been defused. However, a maverick group of about 15 people took it upon themselves to go on a rampage with devastating consequences.
"Police arrived very quickly at the scene to find upwards of 60 people engaged in hand to hand fighting. It was during this disturbance that Kevin sadly lost his life.
"We are aware that tensions and emotions are running high at the minute.
"However, this is a time for cool heads. It is a time for people with responsibility to exercise that responsibility.
"We are working with the community to ensure that the area remains calm.
"My officers' have engaged with the organisers of Friday night's band parade and have encouraged them to demonstrate responsibility and leadership at this important time.
"I believe that those associated with the Pride of the Bann band will work tirelessly to deliver a peaceful and respectful parade.
"Sectarianism has no place in Coleraine or any other part of Northern Ireland.
"We have made great strides to stamp it out. A lot of good work has taken place in recent years to build relations and I would urge everyone to continue to work together to ensure there are no further attacks.
"This is what the community want, it is what the Police Service wants and, most importantly, it is what the McDaid and Fleming families want.
"We all owe it to Kevin's memory to ensure that this happens.
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Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
