Kieran McLaughlin Arrest - PSNI Recovers Firearms

The PSNI has recovered three suspect firearms following yesterday's arrest of Kieran McLaughlin, who was apprehended at the end of a six-day manhunt at Fern Park in the Galliagh area of L'Derry city.

The 58-year-old is suspected of the murder of 35-year-old Barry McCrory last Thursday morning at the victim's flat near Shipquay Street in the city.

Mr McLaughlin had been spotted earlier on Tuesday night in Donegal driving a silver car and was followed by gardaí until he crossed the border, whereupon the PSNI continued to tail him.

Mr McLaughlin abandoned the car in Galliagh before stealing another vehicle. Specialist officers then captured and arrested him.

District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, said: "This has been the resolution that we have all been hoping for this week – the peaceful arrest of Mr McLaughlin. He is now in custody and the criminal justice process will follow its course.

"This has been a difficult week. I have to say in particular our thoughts are with the McCrory family but it has also been a difficult week for the McLaughlin family and for the people of this city.

"I would like to thank the people of this city for their fortitude and for their patience with us as we have conducted our policing operation over the last few days.

"I would also in particular like to thank the community for the co-operation they have given us. While I won’t be drawn any further I will say that we would not have drawn this to a conclusion last night without the assistance of members of the public."

Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin continued: "I am prepared to say that we have recovered three suspect firearms last night – two handguns and a shotgun.

"This has been an extensive police operation, involving daily over 100 officers. Officers from my own district and from right across the PSNI and I think it’s appropriate that I thank our colleagues in Crime Operations Department, my colleagues in Operational Support Department. We have engaged a range of specialists throughout the last few days and also, once again, as always we have received fantastic co-operation from our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and I am very, very grateful to them as well.

"It was our job to locate Mr McLaughlin and bring him in safely and I am grateful that we got the solution that everyone wanted."

(IT/CD)