20/02/2006

Police launch investigation into Carrickfergus murder

Police in Carrickfergus have launched a murder investigation after a man died as the result of an attack in the town at the weekend.

Local man 49-year-old Thomas Hollran was discovered in an alleyway between Cherry Walk and Woodburn Avenue at around 10pm on Saturday. He later died in hospital from serious head injuries, which he sustained during the incident.

It has been revealed that Mr Hollran was ordered to stay away from the town following a dispute with loyalist paramilitaries last year.

Police believe that the victim travelled by train from Belfast to Carrickfergus, and got off at the Clipperstown station at around 9.25pm.

He then made his way on foot to the Woodburn area to visit a family member.

Detectives investigating the murder, have appealed for anyone who may have been travelling on the Belfast to Larne train, or been in the Clipperstown station on Saturday evening to contact them.

They have also called for the two youths who alerted a local resident to the incident to get in touch.

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out and police have asked for anyone who may have witnessed anything in relation to the attack to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)

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