Two questioned over sectarian killing of Paul McCauley

Two men are being questioned over the sectarian killing of a civil servant in Northern Ireland.

Paul McCauley, a Catholic, spent almost a decade in a vegetative state after being beaten by loyalists in Derry’s Waterside area in 2006. He died last June, aged 38.

Two men aged 27 and 28 had been arrested last year and were released on police bail but are now being interviewed at Strand Road police station. Warrants for further detention were approved by a court on Wednesday, police said.

‘Momentum continuing’

The officer leading the investigation, Det Chief Insp Michael Harvey, said: "We said after Paul died that this investigation would take on a renewed momentum, and this momentum is continuing.

“Detectives are available to speak with anyone who decides they want to talk to us.

“Even after almost 10 years, it is not too late to do the right thing and come forward.”

Father-of-one Mr McCauley was 29 when he attended a barbecue for a friend who was moving away from Northern Ireland.

Emerged from bushes

A gang of up to 15 people emerged from nearby bushes and attacked him and two friends as they were clearing up after the meal in the early hours of the morning.

He suffered severe head injuries.

Mr McCauley’s family has pursued a long campaign for justice.

Piper John McClements (24), previously known as Daryl Proctor, from the Fountain area of Derry, has been charged with the civil servant's murder.

A total of 16 people have been detained since Mr McCauley’s death last year.

Press Association