Northern Ireland

Man released in probe into shots fired at wake of Martin McElkerney

 A masked man fired an automatic weapon outside the home of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney (right) ahead of his funeral
 A masked man fired an automatic weapon outside the home of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney (right) ahead of his funeral
By Digital Staff

A 40-year-old man arrested in connection with the firing of shots linked to the death of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney as been released unconditionally.

Shots were fired in the Divis area of west Belfast on May 20 following Mr McElkerney's death.

Several masked men formed a 'guard of honour' with one firing an automatic rifle in front of several hundred people. The same gun was previously used by the INLA in a staged show of strength for a BBC documentary by broadcaster Stacey Dooley.

Detective Inspector Carol Dane has described the scene at Ross Street as "not only shocking and reckless, but also a criminal act, which was carried out by those who seek to control communities through fear of violence".

The 40-year-old was arrested yesterday under the Terrorism Act.

Mr McElkerney was found critically injured in Milltown Cemetery and died in hospital.

Read more:

  • Ex-RUC band piper had 'no idea' she was booked for Martin McElkerney's INLA funeral
  • Masked men flank coffin at funeral of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney
Masked gunmen fire a volley of shots outside the home of INLA man Martin McElkerney
Masked gunmen fire a volley of shots outside the home of INLA man Martin McElkerney
A masked gunman fires shots outside the home of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney
A masked gunman fires shots outside the home of former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney