15/05/2006

Murder inquiry launched after Londonderry stabbing

Police in County Londonderry have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man at the centre of a major financial investigation.

Patrick Fleming, 40, was fatally stabbed during a party at a flat at Hazelbank Road, Coleraine at around 3.40am on Sunday morning. He was taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being held for questioning by police.

In December 2004, the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), froze around £460,000 of Mr Fleming's finances after it was alleged that he was involved in drug dealing.

The agency took control of assets including a house, 10 acres of land, stables, 15 horses and an equestrian arena.

The ASA alleged the assets had been bought and improved with the proceeds of Mr Fleming's alleged illegal drug dealing. Patrick Fleming's death has raised concerns of further violence in the Coleraine area.

The SDLP's John Dallat, today condemned the murder adding that it leaves behind a widow and two young children.

He said: "The police response has been swift and detailed. I hope that they will receive all the cooperation that they need, not only to solve this murder, but to eliminate any possibility of a night time culture of violence of this type developing in Coleraine."

Mr Dallat continued by saying that this is not the image or culture wanted in the town and added that it must come to an end.

UUP, East Londonderry Assembly member, David McClarty said the stabbing of Patrick Fleming in Coleraine was an act of evil.

Condemning the incident, Mr McClarty said: “No-one has the right to take a life under any circumstances.

“This was an act of evil which has shocked people in the area."

He concluded by saying that the increase in the use of knives in our society is a concern and added that we must find a way of taking such weapons off our streets.

(EF/SP)

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