POLICE staged a reconstruction yesterday of the last movements of a Catholic RUC officer shot dead in Derry city 26 years ago.
Constable Michael Ferguson (21) from Omagh was shot twice in the back of the head by the IRA while on duty in Shipquay Street at around 2pm on January 23, 1993.
A lone gunman approached him from behind after he and two officers were called to the Richmond shopping centre following a reported theft from a shop.
He was transferred to Altnagevlin Hospital but died from his injuries. One man was jailed in connection for 'assisting' in the killing but the gunman was never caught.
The PSNI has renewed an appeal for information on the "callous" murder.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney from Legacy Investigation Branch said they were "extremely close to progressing criminal justice action" against the killers.
"My appeal is aimed at the local people who were in Shipquay Street on the day Michael was murdered. The gunman did not have his face covered and was wearing a distinctive green jacket. I believe that someone knows who this gunman was," he added.
"In the years since Michael's murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed, people's lifestyles change and I want those who know who was involved that day to search their consciences and come forward to the police. I am aware that time has passed since the murder but it is not too late, if anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen.
"To those involved I would appeal to them to do the right thing and make a difference to Michael's family. They will no longer have to live with the worry that someday soon police are going to knock on their door."
