Coleraine Pub Drinkers Hold Clues: PSNI

People drinking in Coleraine bars on the day father-of-four Kevin McDaid (pictured) was brutally murdered could hold vital clues to the investigations, police have said.

Detectives have called on anyone who visited pubs on New Market Street on Saturday 24 May to come forward.

Loyalists have been blamed for the violence which erupted in the nationalist Heights area that day.

Mr McDaid was savagely beaten and died just yards from his home. His neighbour Damien Fleming remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Trouble flared following a contentious Rangers versus Celtic Old Firm derby.

A complaint has been made to the police Ombudsman that a PSNI officer incited loyalists by sending a text message stating that tricolours had been erected in the nationalist estate.

It is now believed some of those who got in taxis, and launched the tirade, may have earlier been drinking in pubs in the town centre.

So far 20 people have been arrested in relation to the incident. Ten men have been charged and remanded in custody in connection with Mr McDaid's murder and the attempted murder of Mr Fleming.

The PSNI made a renewed appeal for information yesterday. A spokesman said: "Detectives believe that people who attended licensed premises in the town's New Market Street may have information that would be useful to the inquiry, and have now urged them to contact the incident room at Portrush Police Station.

"The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000, or contact the Crimestoppers charity on freephone 0800 555111."

(PR/JM)