POLICE investigating the murder of a man in a violent attack in Carrickfergus have issued a fresh appeal for information on the first anniversary of the killing.
Glenn Quinn, who was 47, was found at his home at Ashleigh Park in the Co Antrim town on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Police believe he was attacked whilst returning to his home the previous day by a gang of men with links to the South Antrim UDA, although it was not sanctioned by the leadership.
The men initially attacked the 47-year-old in the communal hallway of the apartment block before forcing their way into his flat and launching a sustained and violent attack.
The attack left the victim with a number of serious injuries, including multiple fractures to his ribs, which eventually lead to his death.
Police say they fear there has been a reluctance among people to come forward because of potential retribution.
Last September the murder was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow Live with £10,000 offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said the PSNI believe that people living in Carrickfergus and the surrounding areas "know what happened to Glenn".
"We appeal to those people to search their conscience and stop this from happening to another family, by coming forward and helping us bring those responsible to justice," he said.
"Any information in relation to the investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be vital in helping catch these appalling individuals".
DCI McCartney said Mr Quinn was "well-known throughout Carrickfergus and had no known enemies and no reason that police are aware of for anyone to cause him harm.
"He was a good and kind man, who did not deserve to die the way he did," he said.
"Glenn had a terminal blood disorder and was totally defenceless when he was attacked in his apartment, somewhere he should have felt safe. This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable member of your community who was not in the best of health".
The senior officer said Mr Quinn had been previously assaulted outside his home on December 29 and while he "wasn’t badly injured, he was left frightened by the attack".
Police want to hear from anyone who seen Mr Quinn between Christmas 2019 and January 4, 2020.
Mr McCartney said Mr Quinn's family are "heartbroken" and "deserve answers and deserve to see these barbaric killers put behind bars" .
"We would ask those with information to come forward, as we can put measures in place to protect from any potential risk," he said.
"It is clear that those responsible don’t represent the Carrickfergus community, due to the continued shock and revulsion about this killing in the area".
He added: "Glenn’s family deserve justice, so anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111".
