10/03/2005

Police release man in McCartney murder probe

Police have released a man who was being questioned in connection with the murder of Robert McCartney.

Officers have confirmed the man was released pending further enquiries after going to a police station with his solicitor voluntarily.

On Wednesday, local political leaders hit out at the IRA after the republican group offered to shoot the men behind the murder of Mr McCartney.

In a statement released on Tuesday the leadership of the IRA said it had informed the McCartney family of the names of the men behind the killing and that they had offered to shoot those responsible.

The five-page statement said the McCartney family had met the organisation twice and made it clear they did not want physical action taken against those involved.

The IRA have so far expelled three members over the murder while Sinn Fein subsequently suspended seven of its members, however the police investigation into the January 30 murder has yet to yield any convictions.

Chief Constable Hugh Orde, speaking to BBC Radio yesterday, said that he knew the names of those who had carried out the killing, and it was clear that there had been intimidation of witnesses, but he said that evidence was required to make arrests.

(MB/SP)

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