Police Return To Brian McIlhagga Murder Scene

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch returned to the scene of the murder of Brian McIlhagga in Ballymoney last night, in a bid to identify more witnesses.

42-year-old Mr McIlhagga was beaten and shot by a group of masked men who dragged him from a property in Riverview Park in the County Antrim town on Monday 5 January just before 22:30, police said. A 32-year-old woman who lives in the house was also assaulted by the men. Four children escaped without injury.

Mr McIlhagga was shot in both legs outside the house and died at the scene.

The gang is thought to have fled via a walkway running along Riverview Park in the direction of Ballymoney train station.

Three men, aged 22, 31 and 46 have been questioned by detectives but were later released unconditionally.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, said: "One week into this investigation, our inquiries are continuing. We have made arrests, conducted searches and interviewed dozens of people.

"But it is my firm belief that there are still people in the community, in Riverview Park, in Ballymoney and in Ballymena who have yet to come forward. These people may have information about the events of last Monday night, something they saw or heard. Or they may have information about Brian McIlhagga or the men who were involved in his murder.

"I would ask them to think about the devastation his death has caused to his immediate family, not least his five children, and his wider circle of friends. For as long as those responsible for this attack remain at large, they represent a threat to anyone in the north Antrim area even though it is a largely peaceful community.

"This was a vicious, brutal and sustained attack on a man who was visiting his friend. It is unusual for a town like Ballymoney and I understand how the community is shocked by what has happened. But I need people to think again about the events of last Monday night and their impact on the McIlhagga family and Brian’s wider circle of friends. The family needs closure and the community deserves justice.

"I want to again appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything in the Riverview Park area between 10pm and 11pm last Monday night to contact police. I want to hear from anyone who saw men or vehicles moving in and around the area.

"I am also still interested in activity around the railway station in Ballymoney which is in the same general area as the house at Riverview Park where Brian was attacked. I want to hear from anyone who was in the station, close to the station or on a train passing through the station between 10.20pm and 10.30pm last Monday night. They may have seen a number of men in this vicinity and they may be able to assist the investigation.

"I also would like to hear from anyone in the area of Raceview Park, Armour Avenue and Rodeing Foot areas of Ballymoney who may have seen men in the area last Monday night."

Anyone with information can contact detectives at the special incident room at Ballymoney police station on the non-emergency number. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(IT/CD)