Two freed in murder investigation

Two men being held in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black have been released without charge.

Mr Black (52) was shot on Thursday during an ambush on a motorway in Co Armagh as he drove to work at Maghaberry high-security prison.

Two men, including prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy, were arrested on Friday morning in the Lurgan area. Both were released last night, according to a spokeswoman for the PSNI. A PSNI spokeswoman said the pair had been released unconditionally.

A 29-year-old suspect arrested in Co Leitrim on Friday night is still in Garda custody and is being held at Carrick-On-Shannon Garda station under Section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939.

A funeral service for Mr Black is to take place tomorrow at Molesworth Presbyterian Church in Cookstown.

Over the weekend, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton joined politicians on all sides of the Northern divide who condemned the murder of the prison officer, who was planning to retire next year after more than 30 years of service.

Condemning the murder as senseless, Ms Clinton said there was "no justification" for what she described as an "outrageous and cowardly act".

“I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of officer Black, who had a long and distinguished record of service. The United States remains resolute in support of the people of Northern Ireland, who have condemned violence and embraced the path to peace and reconciliation.”

The Crimestoppers charity has offered a reward of up to £10,000 (€12,480) for information that would assist in convicting the killers.