Northern Ireland

Police urge public to ignore 'rumour' following Derry murder

Father-of-five Karol Kelly was stabbed to death in Derry early last Sunday
Father-of-five Karol Kelly was stabbed to death in Derry early last Sunday Father-of-five Karol Kelly was stabbed to death in Derry early last Sunday

POLICE have taken the unusual step of appealing to the public to ignore “rumours” surrounding the murder of Derry father-of-five Karol Kelly.

Mr Kelly (35) died from stab wounds outside a house at Grafton Street in Derry’s Rosemount area early last Sunday.

Two brothers – Gary Anderson (20) and Sean Anderson (19) – as well as a 17-year-old youth have been charged with his murder.

The brothers, from Grafton Street, were remanded in custody after they appeared at Derry Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, was also remanded in custody.

Mr Kelly’s remains were released to his family yesterday, with his funeral to take place at St Mary’s Church, Creggan at 2pm tomorrow, followed by burial at Derry city cemetery.

Following the arrival of the remains at the family home at Beechwood Avenue, Mr Kelly's brother Paul said they would celebrate his life at the funeral Mass.

“Karol has been at peace with us now since this morning,” he said.

Meanwhile, in an unusual move during a live murder investigation, the PSNI issued a statement dealing with speculation in Derry about Mr Kelly’s death.

Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said there was no evidence at present to link the murder to paramilitary activity or to threats which may have been made by or on behalf of paramilitaries in the past.

He added: “There is currently no evidence of a link between the weekend’s incident and a reported pipe bomb having been left in Grafton Street several weeks ago.

“Police are conducting an investigation to establish why Karol Kelly went to Grafton Street and the circumstances surrounding his killing."

The officer said police were concerned that “inaccurate information” was circulating about events surrounding Mr Kelly’s death.

“I am asking people to be responsible if they are discussing those events. I am asking people to base their views on facts, not rumour or speculation," he said.

“This is why I have decided to tell the community something about what the investigation has established so far. This might develop in the coming weeks."

Mr Murphy also warned that any attempt to influence or intimidate witnesses or to hinder the police investigation would be dealt with swiftly.