Appeal to find Thomas Hollran killers re-launched

Police in Carrickfergus have re-launched their appeal to find those responsible for the murder of a man in the town in February.

They have also urged the people of the town to stop protecting the loyalist paramilitaries who are believed to be connected to the killing .

Thomas Hollran, who should be celebrating his 50th birthday today, was attacked and killed when he returned to the town to visit a relative on February 18 2006.

It is understood that Mr Hollran had travelled from Belfast to Carrickfergus on the 20.52 Larne train. Mr Hollran was attacked as he made his way from the Clipperstown station to the Woodburn area and was later found with serious head injuries by local residents in an alleyway between Woodburn Avenue and Cherry Walk at around 10pm. He was taken to hospital and died the following afternoon from his injuries.

It has been reported that two men, aged in their late teens or early 20s, found the victim lying in the alleyway and raised the alarm. The pair left the scene in a car, believed to be a blue Peugeot 306 and detectives are keen to talk to them.

Mr Hollran had been ordered to leave Carrickfergus in December 2005 by loyalist paramilitaries who wrongly suspected him of indecent exposure.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Dunwoody said local allegations of indecent exposure made against Mr Hollran were false and that he was completely innocent.

So far two men have been charged with intimidation in connection with the murder of Mr Hollran.

DS Dunwoody said: "There are people in Carrick who have information which would provide police with the crucial evidence to charge those responsible for his murder."

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim and Carrickfergus, Councillor Roy Beggs Jnr, has added his voice to the police appeal for public support in finding those responsible.

Mr Beggs said: "At the time of this heinous crime I stated that paramilitary involvement in this vicious murder was suspected and now the police have come out and stated clearly that this is the case. I also note that last week’s latest report from the Independent Monitoring Commission indicated that members of the UDA were responsible for the murder of Thomas Hollran on 18 February 2006.

The Councillor continued: "I would echo what the police have said - the veil of silence over this murder must be lifted. The paramilitary thugs who committed this crime deserve no cover and no protection whatsoever. The only way to get these people off the backs of our community is for people with relevant information to co-operate fully with the police to bring these killers to justice.

"I appreciate that some people may be feeling intimidated and scared to come forward, but continued silence on this matter will only ensure that Mr Hollran will not be the last victim of this gang of murderers."

Anyone with any information on the murder should contact police in Carrickfergus on 0845 600 8000 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)