04/02/2013

Man Arrested Over 1976 Murder Of Paul McNally

A man has been arrested in connection with a suspected 1976 sectarian murder in north Belfast.

Paul McNally, 26, was shot as he left Sean Graham's bookmakers at the junction of Brompton Park and Crumlin Road on 5 June.

He died two days later in hospital.

Police believe it was a random sectarian attack.

It is believed two gunmen open fire on a group of men. Mr McNally and another man suffered serious injureies.

The officer in charge of the renewed investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Galloway, said: "Police have re-opened this investigation following the receipt of information and a number of preliminary enquiries. We have made an arrest and a suspect has been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim police station for questioning.

"I fully appreciate the challenges of renewing an investigation into events which took place more than 36 years ago but I believe there are people in the Ardoyne and elsewhere who can assist.

"This random sectarian attack took place on a busy Saturday afternoon in June. I would appeal to people who spoke with police at the time of the murder to make contact with the new investigation team. I would also ask those who may not have previously spoken to police to contact detectives investigating Paul McNally's murder."

(CD)

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