New appeal in hunt for Loughinisland killers

Police in the North have used the 20th anniversary of a massacre of World Cup football fans to make a fresh appeal for help catching their killers.

Supporters were watching the Republic of Ireland play Italy in USA 1994 in the Heights Bar bar in the Co Down village of Loughinisland when loyalist gunmen burst in and opened fire.

Six men were killed and five others were injured in the attack, carried out by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

No one has ever been charged with the murders but a renewed investigation has been commenced following a review of the case by the PSNI Serious Crime Review Team.

Senior investigating officer PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Talbot said: “This was a sickening, indiscriminate and completely futile attack committed by terrorists who gave no thought to the innocent lives they shattered, then and now.”

Those who died were Barney Green, Adrian Rogan, Malcolm Jenkinson, Daniel McCreanor, Patrick O’Hare and Eamon Byrne.

To date, 16 people have been arrested, 51 searches have been conducted, 605 statements recorded and more than 2,500 actions raised as part of the investigation.

Mr Talbot added: “Police remain firmly committed to apprehending those responsible for these murders.

“On this 20th anniversary, with all its pain for families and survivors and perhaps reflection for those involved, I would ask anyone with information about the murders to come forward and speak to police.

“The anniversary should bring into focus the fact that it is never too late to do the right thing, to come forward with any information about individuals or events. Police will not give up but what we really need is for people to make statements and give evidence.”

He said anyone with information could contact detectives on 028 3751 7390 or by email to MIT8 psni.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, people can provide information without giving their details to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

PA