Derry Victim Named

The man murdered and dumped near Londonderry last night has been named.

He was Ciaran Doherty, 31, and came from the Brandywell area in the city. He was due to get married in three months and had a two-year-old daughter.

He was found shot dead close to the Derry-Donegal border.

The man's semi-naked body was discovered on the Braehead Road around 10.30pm last night and it is believed he had been shot in the head.

A forensic examination of the scene, which has been cordoned off, is under way.

NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins has described last night's murder as an act of unspeakable brutality that will sicken people across Northern Ireland.

"I join those who have unreservedly condemned this vile murder and appeal to the entire community to work with the police and help bring those responsible before the courts.

"This will have both sickened and shocked people across Northern Ireland. Anyone with any information surrounding this murder must help the police with their investigation," he said.

Earlier, Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson said the attack bore the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style killing.

"Let those who are responsible come out and tell us," the MLA added.

"The vast majority of people in Derry would absolutely condemn what has happened here in their city."

"We all want the gun taken out of our community, we are absolutely disgusted with what happened last night, how dare they."

Foyle MP Mark Durkan said the people of Derry will be "disgusted by the killing."

"This morning, I attended the scene of where the body was found and I have spoken to the police about this horrific killing," he said.

"On behalf of the SDLP, I totally and absolutely condemn this brutal and crude murder which is a throwback to the very worst of our past."

Politicians and community leaders have voiced concerns that dissident republicans may be responsible for the attack, but their involvement has yet to be confirmed.

DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said the killing bears a "remarkable similarity" to murders by the Provisional IRA and others during the troubles.

"Whilst there is much talk of stopping those responsible from dragging us back to the past, this can only be the case if the community gives whatever information they have to the police.

"It is only full cooperation between the police and the community that can bring the perpetrators before the courts," the MP added.

(BMcC/GK)