Taxi driver shot dead in County Tyrone

A taxi driver has been shot dead as he sat waiting for a fare in his car in County Tyrone.

Barney McDonald, a Catholic, was shot just before 11pm on Wednesday April 17 in the village of Donaghmore.

Police have set up an incident room and a forensic examination was being carried out at the scene of the shooting on Thursday afternoon.

The gun attack occurred as Mr McDonald pulled up outside a snooker club in Annaghbeg Park, to pick up a fare. Two masked men approached the car and shot 51-year-old Mr McDonald in the head with a shotgun. He died at the scene.

The police said it was too early to speculate on a motive, but initial reports indicate that the Red Hand Defenders have claimed the attack.

The murder has been widely condemned by the police and politicians.

Security Minister, Jane Kennedy condemned the murder. The Minister said: "It is tragic that another family has been plunged into despair and grief as a result of a savage and cowardly attack. Those who carry out acts of barbarism are the enemies of the whole community and I would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact the police."

SDLP assembly member for Mid Ulster Denis Haughey said: “This was a barbaric murder and it must be condemned by all. I know the people in the area will be shocked and saddened by the brutality of this killing, as I am. The people of Tyrone have suffered enough over the years. We all thought and hoped we had left these days behind.”

The Alliance leader David Ford has condemned the murder: “This was a vicious, cowardly murder of man going about his business. Those behind this murder are the worst kind of criminals, trying to drag us back into Northern Ireland’s darkest days.”

The detectives in Dungannon have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

(AMcE)