Renewed Appeal On 31st Anniversary Of Peter McCormick Murder

Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch have issued a fresh appeal for information on the 31st anniversary of the murder of Peter McCormick.

On 19 November 1992, the 42 year old former teacher from Drumena Road in Kilcoo, was shot dead when two gunmen burst into the Thierafurth Inn and opened fire on customers inside at around 9pm. Three other customers, including a 69 year old man who was registered blind, were also injured in the attack.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Byrne from Legacy Investigation Branch said: "Mr McCormack was enjoying a drink in his local pub when he was murdered. The bar was full of customers about to take part in a charity darts match. Peter was an innocent victim of a sickening sectarian attack.

"Police believe that the gunmen made their escape in a Grey Ford Orion car that was found abandoned a few miles away from the bar in Tollymore Forest Park. It had been stolen from an address in east Belfast earlier in the day.

"More than 30 years have now passed since Peter's murder and I am appealing for anyone who has any knowledge of what happened that evening who have not spoken to police previously, or who have any new information, to do so now. It is not too late, if anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen."

Detective Chief Inspector Byrne continued: "A number of people were involved in Peter's murder. They know who they are and they are going to have to live with that for the rest of their lives. I would appeal directly to them to do the right thing and make a difference to Peter's family by making themselves known to police."

Anyone with information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101 or LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk. You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.