News

Fresh appeal over murder by dissidents

GARDAÍ have issued a new appeal for information about the dissident republican murder three years ago of Derry man Andrew Allen.

Mr Allen (24) was shot dead by dissident vigilante group, Republican Action Against Drugs (Raad) at a house on the outskirts of Buncrana, Co Donegal, on the night of February 9 2012.

Mr Allen, pictured, a father of two, was originally from Derry's Top of the Hill area but was exiled by Raad. Claims that he was involved in the drugs trade have always been strenuously denied by his family.

A Garda spokesman said a number of arrests had been made and the force was working closely with the PSNI in the case.

Shortly after the murder, Raad joined forces with the Real IRA and other dissident groups to form a new organisation describing itself as the IRA. The new organisation has been most active in the general north west area.

On the second anniversary of Mr Allen's m u r d e r last year, gardaí said they believed up to 12 people were i n v o l v e d in the killing. Done-gal Garda inspector, P a t r i c k O'Donnell said those involved lived in Derry.

At the time gardaí said that while they believed a small number of people carried out the murder, "others sourced cars, guns, clothing, provided transport and assisted in the preparation and the escape after the crime".

Gardaí have made a number of arrests in connection with the murder but to date no-one has been brought before the courts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí at the incident room in Buncrana on (00 353) 7493 20504.