Crimewatch reconstruction assists Bellaghy murder inquiry

Detectives investigating the 1997 murder of Bellaghy man Sean Brown have renewed their appeals for information about his death on BBC programme Crimewatch.

The appeal comes after new information about the murder has recently emerged.

Mr Brown, 61, was abducted as he left his local GAA club on May 12th 1997. His body was later found with his burnt out car near Randalstown.

Speaking before last night’s broadcast, Detective Superintendent Pat Steele, who has been leading the renewed investigation for the past year, said he hoped the show would expand on new information that has come to light.

"There are a number of key aspects which will come across on the Crimewatch programme. The abduction of Mr Brown at Bellaghy, the murder scene, the Moneynick Road and the movement of a variety of vehicles which we believe were involved in this murder,” Det Sup Steele said.

Police are hopeful that the reconstruction will help jog the memory of someone who may have been in the area at the time of the murder.

Last night’s programme also saw appeals by Church of Ireland Archbishop, Robin Eames and Noble Laureate poet Seamus Heaney, originally from Bellaghy and a friend of the Brown family.

(MB/SP)