Menu
26/02/2014
Man Arrested In Eamon Collins Murder Case
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Eamon Collins.
Mr Collins, a former IRA man, was killed in 1999 just outside of Newry, a short distance from his home. He was 45-years-old at the time, and was deliberately hit by a car as he was out on an early morning walk on Doran's Hill on 27 January 1999. He was then beaten and stabbed a number of times in the head and face. It is thought the incident was a suspected revenge attack for Collins turning supergrass.
During his time in the IRA, Mr Collins collected information on police officers and Royal Ulster Constabulary special branch members as well as set up assassinations throughout a six-year period. While he did not directly shoot anyone, he did provide information and recruited members for the terrorist group. In 1985, he was arrested and charged with numerous terrorist offences, including five murders and being a member of the IRA. Following his arrest, however, Collins turned a supergrass and gave evidence against his former colleagues. More than 40 people were arrested as a result of the information provided, but the accused later had a change of heart and most were released.
Last month, police investigating the case said they had made a breakthrough after they recovered DNA from the scene of the murder. Then, on Tuesday, detectives confirmed a 59-year-old man had been arrested in Newry and taken to Antrim Police Station for questioning. His house was also searched.
No other details have been released.
(JP/CD)
Mr Collins, a former IRA man, was killed in 1999 just outside of Newry, a short distance from his home. He was 45-years-old at the time, and was deliberately hit by a car as he was out on an early morning walk on Doran's Hill on 27 January 1999. He was then beaten and stabbed a number of times in the head and face. It is thought the incident was a suspected revenge attack for Collins turning supergrass.
During his time in the IRA, Mr Collins collected information on police officers and Royal Ulster Constabulary special branch members as well as set up assassinations throughout a six-year period. While he did not directly shoot anyone, he did provide information and recruited members for the terrorist group. In 1985, he was arrested and charged with numerous terrorist offences, including five murders and being a member of the IRA. Following his arrest, however, Collins turned a supergrass and gave evidence against his former colleagues. More than 40 people were arrested as a result of the information provided, but the accused later had a change of heart and most were released.
Last month, police investigating the case said they had made a breakthrough after they recovered DNA from the scene of the murder. Then, on Tuesday, detectives confirmed a 59-year-old man had been arrested in Newry and taken to Antrim Police Station for questioning. His house was also searched.
No other details have been released.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2016
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over an attack in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. A man, aged in his 50s, is in a critical condition in hospital after he was assaulted at a house on the Ballycastle Road on Monday, 26 September. Two other men were also arrested and have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over an attack in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. A man, aged in his 50s, is in a critical condition in hospital after he was assaulted at a house on the Ballycastle Road on Monday, 26 September. Two other men were also arrested and have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
02 October 2014
Man Arrested Over Eamon Collins Murder
Police have arrested a 56-year-old man over the murder of Eamon Collins 15 years ago. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch arrested the man in the County Armagh area this morning and took him to Antrim police station for questioning.
Man Arrested Over Eamon Collins Murder
Police have arrested a 56-year-old man over the murder of Eamon Collins 15 years ago. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch arrested the man in the County Armagh area this morning and took him to Antrim police station for questioning.
09 August 2017
Man Released On Bail Over Lurgan Murder
A man arrested in connection with a murder in Lurgan on Sunday, 06 August, has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The body of a man, aged 45, was discovered at a flat on Victoria Street. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Man Released On Bail Over Lurgan Murder
A man arrested in connection with a murder in Lurgan on Sunday, 06 August, has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The body of a man, aged 45, was discovered at a flat on Victoria Street. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
17 August 2016
Man Arrested Following Incident At House In Coleraine
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an incident at a house in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. It happened at a property on Knockantern Grove in the Mountsandel area on Tuesday, 16 August. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of possessing of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an offence and assault on police.
Man Arrested Following Incident At House In Coleraine
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an incident at a house in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. It happened at a property on Knockantern Grove in the Mountsandel area on Tuesday, 16 August. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of possessing of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an offence and assault on police.
25 September 2014
Man Arrested In Connection With 1999 Murder
A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the 1999 murder of former IRA man Eamon Collins. Mr Collins was found dead on 27 January, 1999. He had been beaten and stabbed. It is also believed that he may have been deliberately hit by a car.
Man Arrested In Connection With 1999 Murder
A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the 1999 murder of former IRA man Eamon Collins. Mr Collins was found dead on 27 January, 1999. He had been beaten and stabbed. It is also believed that he may have been deliberately hit by a car.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
