Northern Ireland

Lorraine McCausland murder: Seven men released

Lorraine McCausland was 23 years of age when she was killed
Lorraine McCausland was 23 years of age when she was killed Lorraine McCausland was 23 years of age when she was killed

SEVEN men arrested in connection with the rape and murder of 23-year-old Lorraine McCausland in north Belfast in 1987 have been released

Two men, aged 54 and 56, were arrested in Belfast. The other two, aged 53 and 59, were arrested in Antrim.

Three men were arrested in England and Scotland.

All seven were later released, police said. A report is being prepared for the Public Prosecution Service.

Police reopened the investigation into the young mother's "mericless" murder late last year.

The mother of two was "savagely beaten" and her body dumped beside a stream in the Forthriver area after a night out in a loyalist club on March 7 1987. 

PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin and Cathy Mcilvenny, sister of Lorraine McCausland, pictured last year as police re-opened the investigation into the murder. Picture by Mal McCann
PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin and Cathy Mcilvenny, sister of Lorraine McCausland, pictured last year as police re-opened the investigation into the murder. Picture by Mal McCann PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin and Cathy Mcilvenny, sister of Lorraine McCausland, pictured last year as police re-opened the investigation into the murder. Picture by Mal McCann

Ms McCausland was from Forthriver Crescent in Glencairn. She was last seen alive at the UDA-run venue in Tyndale. 

Fourteen arrests were made during the original police investigation but no one was charged.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin reissued an appeal for information. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 or anyone with information can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The outside of the loyalist club in Tyndale where police believe Ms McCausland was raped and beaten
The outside of the loyalist club in Tyndale where police believe Ms McCausland was raped and beaten The outside of the loyalist club in Tyndale where police believe Ms McCausland was raped and beaten