06/11/2002

MP blames IRA for Armagh attacks

Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister Seamus Mallon has said the IRA were behind a vicious attack on a young man in south Armagh.

The man, 22-year-old Kieran Toner, was setting up his mobile chip van outside a pub in Camlough on Tuesday night when a gang attacked him.

His vehicle was rammed by another vehicle and he was then dragged around the side of the pub and beaten.

He suffered broken arms, a broken leg and puncture wounds. His car was then driven away by one of the assailants and set on fire outside his home.

The brother of the victim, Stephen Toner said in an interview today the IRA had demanded protection money from Kieran. Stephen said his brother had refused to hand over money to the paramilitaries and that was the reason for the attack.

The SDLP MP for Newry and Armagh for the area, Seamus Mallon, said it was the second brutal attack in south Armagh recently. Mr Mallon said: "I have no doubt that what happened yesterday and what happened in Crossmaglen when a young man was so savagely beaten was either carried out by those who were sanctioned by the IRA or by the IRA themselves.

"This doesn't happen in County Armagh unless it is done with the blessing of that paramilitary group."

(AMcE)


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